Moriarty has new belief

By Brian Keogh

Challenge Tour king Colm Moriarty can see his future clearly now following his breakthrough win in Wales.

The Athlone ace, 28, is exempt on the second tier tour for the rest of the season after grabbing a three-shot win at the FIRSTPLUS Wales Open.

And he put his new-found success down to a concerted effort from his backroom team - especially Sports Vision International - the eye experts who have taught how to use his vision correctly.

Moriarty said: "I had a good 2005 and then played poorly last year. But this year I have come out with all guns blazing after looking at every aspect of my game.

"I wouldn't say it was one aspect in particular because I have worked hard on my swing, my fitness and my mental game to get ready.

"But the daily exercises that I do every morning on my vision have helped me to train my eyes to work in the correct way and all those things together have made me a better player."

Without a Challenge Tour card before Sunday's victory, Moriarty is now in pole position to challenge for promotion to the European Tour.

The top 20 in the rankings at the end of the season progress to the main tour in 2008 and his winner's cheque for €20,800 helped him jump a massive 142 places to 39th in the latest list.

With is confidence at an all time high, Moriarty is determined to ride his wave of good form into this week's Challenge of Ireland at the Glasson Golf Hotel and Country Club near Athlone.

With 24 Irishmen in the field, Moriarty is now one of the favourites to lift the €24,000 top prize on the course that sponsors him.

He said: "I love Glasson and it is fantastic for them that I am coming in on the back of a victory. They have been great supporters since I turned professional.

"I won on the Europro tour earlier this year but this win has totally changed the scenario for me now.

From now on, I will be playing on the Challenge Tour for the rest of the season. So my goal is not just to finish in the top 20 in the rankings. I am going for the top 10, because the stronger the card you get the more starts you get on the main tour next year.

"Glasson really suits me game because you have to drive the ball well. With a little bit of sunshine this week, it is in perfect condition and the greens will be superb.

"I am really looking forward to it and it should be a fantastic event with a great crowd in a lovely setting down by Lough Ree."