Brian aims to make the cut

VERY few here at Troon have heard a great deal about Brian McElhinney but, in truth, he has arrived here with very worthy credentials.

He gained his exemption in the first place by winning last year’s European Amateur Championship. After that, he played a very significant part in Ireland’s victory in the Home International Championship in Ballybunion and after a solid 2004 season, he confirmed his high rating in the Irish Close Championship when he beat his North-West clubmate Michael McGeady in the final at Murvagh, Co Donegal. So he has arrived at Troon with his confidence on a high and his sights set on making the cut.

“That would be a great bonus,” says the powerfully built 21-year-old from Dunfanaghy, who is avidly looking forward to the greatest week of his life.

“I haven’t been thinking about it so much over the past few months because of all the golf that had to be played, but when you’re here and feel the atmosphere and see all the players and playing alongside them, it’s very special.

“My captain at North-West, PJ Crossan, brought me over for a round about a month ago. The weather was pretty rough so the course was playing hard, but it was still nice to see what you were coming up against.

“I don’t think you could compare it with any course at home. What struck me was that the bunkers were very penalising, you have to stay away from them and the greens are tricky to hit. I prefer links golf, especially from Donegal where we have so many links courses. I just want to enjoy the experience. The first goal this week is to make the cut. That would be brilliant. A bonus. My basic goal at the moment is to make next year’s Walker Cup team and that’s a long way ahead. I’m happy enough with my game, but there’s definitely room for improvement. I don’t know what to expect.”