Moriarty ready for challenge

Colm Moriarty believes his game is coming around nicely. Photo Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ieColm Moriarty believes he “can see the light” in his game as he prepares for the English Challenge at Stoke by Nayland Hotel this week having contended in his previous two European Challenge Tour appearances, writes the European Challenge Tour.

The Athlone man has had a disappointing season thus far and currently lies 127th in the Challenge Tour Rankings but he believes he is on the right track after threatening the top of the leaderboard twice in the past two weeks.

This week, he plays in the English Challenge at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa, near Colchester in Essex, and he is hoping to go a step further than recent weeks.

“I played lovely in the first two rounds last week,” he said, speaking of the Double Tree by Hilton Acaya Open, where he finished 43rd. “I was only a couple of shots off the lead going into the weekend and I had a great start on Saturday too.

“The wheels came off a bit after that which is a bit frustrating I suppose. I’ve been in contention a few times but I’ve fallen back but it’s something I’m working on and trying to take the positives from the fact that I’ve been in contention. I can see the light alright.

“I feel like my game is there and the course is in great nick here this week. I’ve played a few times here before and it’s really good.

“The rough is up and greens are firm and fast so hopefully the weather will stay the way it is and it’ll be a great week.”

Stephen Grant is the only other Irishman in a strong field for the €160,000 event, which includes three-time European Tour winner Nick Dougherty and young Dale Whitnell, who played in The 141st Open Championship last week, finishing in tied 60th alongside Rory McIlroy.