GOLF Maiden European Challenge Tour victory for Gareth Maybin

Birthday boy, Gareth Maybin tasted victory for the first time on the European Challenge Tour when winning the inaugural Qingdao Open in China by six strokes.

Gareth led the tournament from the start following a stunning opening round of 62. Three further rounds in the 60's resulted in a 19 under par, winning a total of €56,049. This first prize has moved Gareth to the top of the European Challenge Tour Order of Merit with winnings of over €113,000 for the season. With only a small number of events left Gareth's victory guarantees his European Card for 2009.

Gareth's victory was the third Irish win in China this year following the earlier victories of Damien McGrane and Darren Clarke.

Following his victory Gareth said "What a birthday- I'll remember this one for a while. From tee to green, I played as well as I've ever played this week. My concentration and mental strength were also spot on. I didn't allow myself to think about winning until the 18th tee. I'm so delighted to have shot 19 under par, and ecstatic to have this trophy on my lap. But the most important thing is that I have guaranteed my European card for next season and I'm just itching to get out there now."

Gareth has been supported by the Team Ireland Golf Trust since 2005, and has received a total of €47,635 in funding, including €15,000 in 2008. The Team Ireland Golf Trust is a public/private partnership designed to provide support, both financial and non-financial, to emerging Irish professional golfers to help them realize their potential on the world stage.

Golfers on the Team Ireland Golf Trust scheme have access to the sports science and medicine network already provided by the Irish Sports Council to high performance athletes on the International Carding Scheme. Access to these services is administered by the National Coaching and Training Centre (Coaching Ireland) in Limerick.

Since 2006, golfers supported by the Trust are able to freely access the Golfing Union of Ireland's National Academy facilities at Carton Demesne in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. In 2008, golfers also have access to a consultant professional golf coach.

For Further Information: www.europeantour.com