GOLF Hoey and Caldwell earn more success for Irish golf

20 Nov 2008


The Team Ireland Golf Trust and the Irish Sports Council have sent congratulations to Michael Hoey on achieving his European Tour card for 2009 at the Qualifying School which concluded in Spain this week. The Team Ireland Golf Trust has been Michael's main sponsor since he entered the professional ranks and is delighted at his breakthrough to the main tour.


Hoey will join another player supported by the Trust, Gareth Maybin, who secured his 2009 tour card through the Challenge Tour.


Congratulates were extended also to Jonathan Caldwell on his notable success in gaining his tour card at the first attempt from the amateur ranks. Jonathan has applied to the Team Ireland Golf Trust for support for the coming year and a decision will be made on his application shortly.


Michael McGeady, by the narrowest of margins, and Simon Thornton, fell just short in their attempts to earn full Tour cards. The Trust has been supporting the progress of Michael and Simon and has high hopes for 2009 based on their strong performances in 2008. Michael won a Challenge Tour event in 2008 and will have full playing rights on the Challenge Tour for the 2009 season.

 

Note: 2008 is the ninth year of the Team Ireland Golf Trust, which has provided more than €2 million in financial support to golfers to date. The Trust, which is administered by the Irish Sport Council, aims to contribute to an increase in the presence of Irish golf professionals on the various international tours. It is a partnership between state agencies, private companies and the various golf organisations. Financial backing for the Trust is provided by the Irish Sports Council, Fلilte Ireland, the PGA European Tour and, from the private sector, ONE51 Ltd.

 

More information from

  • Austin Mallon, Irish Sports Council, 01-8608800

 

Quotes

Michael Hoey commented: "Obviously I am thrilled to win my card. It is a significant milestone in my career as a professional golfer. The support of the Trust since turning professional has been invaluable and I am delighted for everyone involved that we are enjoying success this year and hopefully more to come in the future".

Padraig O'hUiginn, Chairman of the Trust commented: "It was a great performance by Michael. The Trust was establishes specifically to support talented golfers with the potential to compete on the top tours an d it is great to see a number of Trust golfers make breakthroughs this year".

John Treacy, Irish Sports Council CEO "It has been a remarkable year for Irish golf, from Padraig Harrinton's major wins through to the European Championship success of the Ireland amateur team. Trust graduate Damian McGrane and Peter Lawrie won on the European Tour and I am delighted that they will be joined next year by Gartjh Maybin, Michael Hoey and Jonathon Caldwell".

 

Team Ireland Golf Trust - Highlights 2008

  • Gareth Maybin won the Qingdao Open in China in September and finished 4th on the Challenge Tour 2008 Order of Merit. As a result he has secured his full European Tour card for 2009. Top 20 players on the Challenge Tour final Order of Merit receive cards on the 2009 European Tour.
  • Michael McGeady won the Wales Challenge in July and finished 42nd on the Challenge Tour 2008 Order of Merit.
  • Michael Hoey won the Moroccan Classic in May and finished 28th on the Challenge Tour 2008 Order of Merit. He secured his 2009 European Tour card at the final stage of qualifying school.
  • Alan Murray won the Collingtree Park Tournament on the Europro Tour in May and finished 4th on the 2008 Europro Tour Order of Merit.
  • Brian McElhinney won the Sureshot Classic on the Europro Tour in May and finished 13th on the 2008 Europro Tour Order of Merit.
  • Martina Gillen and Rebecca Coakley are currently 50th and 68th respectively on the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit and should comfortably retain their tour cards for 2009