David Shiel and Valerie Clancy are looking to trend in the right direction at the Ulster Men’s and Women’s Strokeplay which tees off at Clandeboye Golf Club on Monday morning.
Jack Hearn (Tramore) will begin his title defence in the men’s section at 11am alongside course local Ross Latimer (Clandeboye) and Marc Boucher (Carton House).
In the women’s section 2019 champion Jessica Ross (Clandeboye) will look to use her course knowledge to add a second title as she tees off alongside Kate Dwyer (Rossmore) and Hannah Guerin (Royal Tara) at 10.20am.
Read next: Prevention work key for PFA NI after Jerry Thompson tragedy woke up Irish League
While Shiel (Enniscrone) is hoping to continue his fine form after having made steady progress over the last few weeks helping him to the top of the Bridgestone Order of Merit race alongside Boucher.
“I’ve been playing solid. I haven't done anything amazing yet, so fingers crossed I can push on a bit more over the next few weeks but I'm happy so far as it's been pretty solid. There hasn’t been too much going wrong but even when a couple of things do go wrong it's not really bothering me anymore which is good,” said Shiel.
“I've had steady progress over the last few years. I've only gotten into the championships in the last three years. I played soccer and then had to stop about three or four years ago so I just refocused on golf so it's kind of been like steady progress each of the last few years.
“A couple of years ago, I started getting into the championships, making cuts and getting closer towards the top. Last year was a bit up and down, I won a mid-am. It's just been steady progress.
“I've done a lot of work on my game but I guess as you work on your game it gets less volatile and mindset becomes a bit easier, so I find myself getting less bothered by the odd bad hole or shot. I've just not let bad shots derail me.”
The Enniscrone golfer tees off at 11.30am alongside Lorcan O’Connor (Edmondstown) and Ryan McNelis (Fintona).
In the women’s, Clancy (Killarney) looks forward to competing in Ireland again after returning home from playing college golf in USA.
“I’m just after moving home from the States as I've graduated from college. The courses in the States are a bit different to home so I'm really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and getting used to playing Irish courses again,” said Clancy.
“This will be my first event in a while as I’ve started working since I came home. I had some good performances during the beginning of the spring season in college so I’m hoping to knock some rust off, start playing some good golf again and have a good week.”
Clancy will tee off at 10am alongside Ellen O’Gorman (Laytown & Bettystown) and Bridgestone Order of Merit leader Emma Fleming (Elm Park).
READ NEXT:
- How to watch this year's Isle of Man TT - TV and live stream info
Tyrone star Kevin Hughes speaks candidly about losing siblings in road accidents
Wayne McCullough highlights 'non-existent' aspect to many emerging boxers
McCullough gives Conlan-Lopez verdict as he outlines 'easy' route to victory
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
