Colm Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance) will defend his HBE Risk Management PGA Ulster Championship title at the Hilton Templepatrick from October 7-8.

Last year, the Athlone man carded rounds of 65 and 70 at the Co Antrim venue to finish the tournament on nine under par, some distance ahead of nearest rivals Ciaran Molloy (Blackwood GC), Dara Lernihan (Elm Park) and Neil O'Briain (Old Conna GC).

“I'm looking forward to getting back up to the Hilton,” said Moriarty who has won four times already this season and is riding high in the PGA in Ireland Order of Merit in third place.

“It's always a great event on a quality golf course. Eamonn Logue, the staff at the Hilton and sponsors HBE make a big effort to put on an top class tournament.”

This will be the seventh staging of the Ulster Championship at the Hilton. Amongst the former winners of the event are Damian Mooney (Ballyliffin), Simon Thornton (Team Ireland) and Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin).

PGA Irish Region Secretary Michael McCumiskey said; “We have had six fantastic events in the past at Templepatrick in 2001/02/11/12/13 and 2014 and we are again looking to repeat past successes with the support from members and local club golfers.”

Designed by David Jones and David Feherty, the par-72, 7000 yard course opened in 1999 and nestles within 220 acres of mature parkland on the Castle Upton Estate. 

“Michael Loughran and his greenkeeping staff will, as usual, have the course in great condition for the event.” said Paula Collins the Hotel Manager.

Club Captain Niall Gallagher is also delighted to offer a warm welcome to all the amateurs and professionals taking part in the event. 

He said; “The members and I were delighted when it was confirmed that the Ulster PGA Championship was returning for the seventh time in 2015. We look forward to watching and learning how the game is played by Ireland's top professional golfers on our magnificent course.”

Adrian Byrne Managing Director of HBE Risk Management said; “We are delighted to be once again sponsoring this great event in a fantastic location at Hilton Templepatrick.”

The tournament begins with a shoot-gun pro-am on October 6 followed by two days of competition for the professionals.

Entries for the Pro-Am are available by contacting Eamonn on 02894 435542 or via e-mail Eamonn.logue@hilton.com.