Mooney, McGovern and McDermott bid for International Team Championship

Damian Mooney in action in the BMW PGA at Wentworth earlier this year. Picture: David Lloyd / www.golffile.ie

The PGA of Ireland will be represented by Damien Mooney, Brendan McGovern and Michael McDermott at the 2014 PGAs of Europe International Team Championship at the Belek-based Gloria Hotels & Resorts from the 8th – 11th December. 

Both Mooney (Ballyliffin) and McGovern (Headfort) are experienced campaigners at this particular event but McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown), will be making his debut in the competition.

Mooney was part of a winning team Ireland in 1998 at Atalaya Park in Spain alongside Damien McGrane and Robert Giles (Greenore).

Giles was also a member of the team in 2008 when Ireland collected their second title, also in Spain at Roda, alongside John Kelly (St Margaret's) and Eamonn Brady (Clontarf) when they powered to a record 10 shot win.

Mooney sees no reason why Ireland cannot make it three wins this time around in Turkey.

“We have every chance of doing well. We've been here for a week practising and getting ready and things are looking good,” said Mooney.

“Ireland did well last year. Brendan played on that team and they were unlucky not to win it.”

Last year, Ireland, represented by McGovern, Cian McNamara (Monkstown GC) and John Kelly finished tied for third alongside Wales and Denmark, just three shots behind the winners Holland.

The Dutch team was represented by Ralph Miller, Robin Swane and Nicolas Nube, and it was their second victory having won for the first time back in 1991. 

The tournament will see teams from across the PGAs of Europe 36 member countries play a 72-hole strokeplay competition across Gloria Golf Resort’s New Course with the best two individual scores each day from the team of three counting towards the overall team score.