Higgins looks to hang on as Mount Juliet race reaches climax

WATERVILLE’S David Higgins is the man to beat as the Irish PGA Region’s season comes to an exciting climax at Mount Juliet on Saturday.

The Lexus Race to Mount Juliet in association with Ping and Fáilte Ireland has been a tremendous success this year with Higgins, who captured the €10,000 in the Quinn Insurance pro-am at Slieve Russell, leading for much of the season.

However, four others could pip him for the order of merit title this weekend.

The programme begins with a non-counting €2,500 pro-am on Friday before Saturday’s pro only 18 holes event carrying a prize fund of €30,000 will decide the destination of the spoils. There is also a bonus pool of €17,500 with €10,000 for first; €5,000 for second and €2,500 for third.

Higgins leads with 35,979 points but David Mortimer (35,208), Damian Mooney (30,366), John Kelly (29,384) and Darren McWilliams (27,145) all remain in contention to claim the crown on Saturday. Furthermore, the winner earns an invitation to next year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and the 3 Irish Open.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to work with the IPGA hosting what is a very important initiative for them,” said Mount Juliet general manager Colin Donovan. “It is important that we continue to play an active role in promoting golf in Ireland.”