How did you get into professional golf?
I got in through the back door, basically. I was a Gaelic footballer in Ireland up until the age of 19, when I broke my knee playing football. I’d shattered my knee cap and was on crutches for six months. At that stage I was about an 8 handicap in golf. I used to play during the summer periods, only for 3 months. When I came off the crutches I started to play golf in the winter for the first time. Playing golf for twelve months as opposed to three, I got down pretty quickly to a two handicap and it all started from there.
Who was it that sparked your initial interest in golf?
My Dad. He was a good player. He played off a handicap of one for most of my growing up period. He used to play in the amateur championships in Ireland and I used to caddy for him. So that’s where I learnt a lot about the game and also a lot about the way to conduct yourself on the golf course and things like that.
Old Head Golf Links
Kinsale, Ireland
Built on a 220 acre diamond of land, jutting out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The promontory is almost an island with numerous caves running beneath your feet as you play the course. 40 acres of unspoilt cliff frame the course and rise to over 300 feet in places. Nine holes play along the cliff tops, and all eighteen holes provide stunning ocean views. With the ever changing sea breezes, the course provides a stern test to the touring pro and the high handicapper alike.
How did you get into professional golf? You went to America to further your college and golfing education. What led to this decision?
Initially I was doing a three year diploma in marketing in Dublin, which I finished. Then I worked in the EC for a year. At that stage I was playing golf twelve months a year and got down to a scratch handicap and I thought, well I’m getting good at this golf, I wonder if there is a career in it. At that stage I wasn’t good enough, but I thought I’d kill two birds with one stone and do two more years of education and go to America to try and get a golf scholarship.
Do you play a lot of golf in Ireland?
Yes I do. I’ve played all of the great courses in Ireland, and feel very patriotic when I’m back there. I think we’ve some of the greatest golf courses in the world and I’m very proud of them.
Do you have any favourites?
Portrush is my favourite. Portrush, Baltray and Lahinch would probably be my three favourites in Ireland. In terms of new golf courses that have been built, probably Adere Manor where the Irish Open will be in 2007 is very much a favourite also.
