Local golfer handles the pressure best in Bridgestone race
Enniscrone golfer David Shiel says consistency was key as he picked up the Men’s Bridgestone Order of Merit title following a stellar 2023 campaign.
The 34-year-old was a mainstay towards the top of the standings throughout and a T8 finish at the North of Ireland in Royal Portrush last weekend was enough to secure the crown.
Shiel reached the quarterfinals of the South of Ireland, got to the last 16 in the West of Ireland, finished T6 in the East of Ireland, and made all nine cuts in championships he competed in.
In the Bridgestone Order of Merit, he finished ahead of AIG Irish Men’s Close champion Rob Moran (Castle) in second and Jack McDonnell (Forrest Little) back in third, with Shane McDermott (Slieve Russell) and Marc Boucher (Carton House) completing the top five.
And winning this title also secures a spot in the Golf Ireland High Performance Coaching Panel next year, after he also featured in the Irish team for the first time at Home Internationals.
“Having a winning record on my Homes debut for Ireland was something I’m really, really proud of, particularly how I performed in that first match when I ought to have been very, very nervous,” said Shiel.
“It was heartbreaking to lose out by half a point to England and I’m really hungry to be a part of the Ireland teams over the coming years and to hopefully win back the Homes in Scotland next year.”
He added: “Getting into the high performance panel now through the Bridgestone Order of Merit is a really important start.
“One disappointment over the season was I didn’t get a win in the championships. I'm really striving for a win in the championships but especially after this year I can do it, if I keep improving the way I have over the past three years.
“As someone who’s running their own business it's great to win because there's often a feeling in the Irish amateur scene that the matchplay tournaments are the ones that suit the working amateurs.
“To win the trophy that’s based on tournaments spanning five and a half months against the quality of golfers we have in this country is a great achievement.”
Meanwhile, the Women’s Bridgestone Order of Merit is ongoing, with their final event set to take place between October 6 and 8 when the Irish Mid-Amateur will be held in Portsalon. Emma Fleming (Elm Park) is still on top of the standings ahead of Kate Lanigan (Hermitage) and Anna Abom (Edmondstown).
Shiel, though, has already wrapped up his title and is excited about ending the season with something tangible to show for his efforts.
“I’ve worked so hard on my game. I’ve learned so much from Noel Fox and Donal Scott and I'm extremely grateful to them for their guidance,” said the Enniscrone man.
“For this season it’s brilliant and amazing to get the Bridgestone Order of Merit and the Willie Gill Trophy, and it is some silverware to show at the end for all the hard work that I have put in.”