Hoey makes case for absent Irish stars

Defending Alfred Dunhill Links champion Michael Hoey has sprung to the defence of fellow Irishmen, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, who have opted to skip this week’s Scottish event.

Hoey relegated the US Open-winning duo into second and joint third to capture the biggest single pay cheque of his pro career last year. But while Ryder Cup stars Paul Lawrie, Martin Kaymer and Peter Hanson, along with USA rival Dustin Johnson, have made the trip this week there is criticism the likes of McIlroy and McDowell have stayed away. Former World No.1 Lee Westwood, and winner in 2003, was a late withdrawal.

“I can understand the reason why they’re not playing here this week as no doubt the FedEx Cup Series would have been tiring and then to go straight into the Ryder Cup,” said Hoey.

“Rory is also playing in Turkey next week, so there is a lot of golf but then Dustin Johnson is here, and the tournament would be better if Luke Donald, Rory, and Lee Westwood were playing. They’re all probably too tired but then they played here two years ago, after Celtic Manor and I am sure the fans would like to see them here. ”

Shane Lowry needs to break out of his current 123rd world ranking and move inside the top 100 this week if he’s to avoid the first stage of PGA Tour qualifying.

However Lowry will look to draw on the inspiration gleaned from watching Europe’s stunning Medinah success in achieving his goal.

“It was the best sporting moment I have ever witnessed,” said Lowry.

“I mentioned on Saturday night that at 11-5 it was over but when ‘Poults’ won his match to make it 10-6, I thought they had a real chance. Hopefully, one day I’ll be there myself.”

Double Dunhill winner Pádraig Harrington returns to competition, again teaming with Irish business tycoon, JP McManus, who unlike Harrington, was in Medinah for his 10th straight Ryder Cup.

“I’ve been to every Ryder Cup since 1993 and while every one of them has been great, and in a couple of them we didn’t all that well, but this past one has to one of the best,” said McManus.

“It was a great experience and it’s just hard to describe how good it was being at Medinah. Europe could not have written the script better and it’s good as I had a little wager on Europe, so it was great to cover the expenses.”