Moriarty: This win is the best moment of my career - 25/04/2007

COLM Moriarty clinched the first PGA EuroPro Tour event of the season and then insisted it was the highlight of his golfing career.

Moriarty, who represents the Glasson Golf Hotel and Country Club in Athlone, Ireland, dominated the tournament at Wensum Valley and led from the opening day.

He finished on a six-under 210 to win by a two-shot margin ahead of England's Neil Walker to claim the £10,000 top prize.

"I've only played in seven events on the PGA EuroPro Tour before and my best finish was third in 2004," said Moriarty (pictured - left, along with Basil Todd, proprietor of Wensum Valley).

"This has to be the best moment in my career. If you're winning golf tournaments, no matter what level, it feels fantastic and this gives me a lot of confidence for the season.

"My game has been good, I've been putting well and I was pretty confident coming here. On the first day I made the most of it and shot a 68, which was a great start and then had a second round two-under.

"I wasn't nervous on the third day but it was tricky knowing if I should attack or play defensively. My game plan was to just play solidly as you can't force it on a course like this as it will catch you out. I was never really under any pressure, I holed out very well and just stayed on top of things.

" You never know what's going to happen but I'm delighted to win. I've worked very hard over the winter and it's great to get the rewards so early in the season."

Walker, who represents the Special Steel Group, claimed £5,000 for finishing second, while three players were tied in third on a total of two-under. Included in this group was Andrew Willey of Ramsdale Park, who hit the first hole-in-one of the EuroPro Tour season with a perfect shot on the 192-yard par-three fourth.

The PGA EuroPro Tour season is held over 16 events and the second is at Roganstown GC, Dublin from May 8 to May 10.

Date posted: May 4, 2007