Robert Moran will tee it up at this week’s Irish Challenge looking to recreate his impressive performance at Killeen Castle from 12 months ago.
The 27-year-old, who gained entry into the 2025 edition through an invitation, ended the week as low Irishman and, in turn, took home the Christy O’Conor Jnr Memorial Trophy, an award which also earned him a spot in the Amgen Irish Open on the DP World Tour.
Rounds of 71-72-70 had Moran in a solid position heading into Sunday’s final round before a closing three under par 69, which included an eagle and three birdies in his final seven holes, propelled him into fourth position and five strokes adrift of eventual winner, Oihan Guillamoundeguy.
“It was a great week last year,” he said.
“Getting to play the Irish Challenge and then the Irish Open was special. It was close to my family home, so I was well-supported. It was two brilliant weeks from being here to then heading to the K Club.
“It’s nice to be back. It’s such a good golf course and to stay at home is extra enjoyable. It’s hard to beat really.”
Moran has played much of his golf on the Alps Tour in 2026 – one of the HotelPlanner Tour’s Official Satellite Tours – and currently sits fourth on the Order of the Merit, with the top five graduating to the Road to Mallorca come the conclusion of the season.
And with just four events remaining on the schedule, the Irishman has his sights firmly on finishing the campaign in a positive manner.
“It’s been a decent start on the Alps Tour although the last couple of weeks haven’t quite gone to plan,” he added.
“Overall, to be fourth with only four events left is a nice position to be in. Hopefully I can figure out the good golf and get that back, and hopefully that starts this week.”
Killeen Castle provided one of the sternest examinations on the 2025 schedule, with the Jack Nicklaus-design lay-out one of the longest on the Road to Mallorca, boasting strategic bunkering, small putting surfaces, and thick rough.
With dry weather firming up the course, Moran is anticipating Killeen to show its teeth, with accurate approach play the key.
“The firm fairways will make the course play a bit shorter this week but then around the greens it will be tricky,” Moran said.
“It presents a different test with not as many long irons this year and a bit more accuracy probably required.
“If you look at scoring it was probably one of the highest on HotelPlanner Tour events. The greens are small and it’s going to be one of the toughest tests.”
Moran is part of a strong field at this week’s Irish Challenge including former European Ryder Cup player Chris Wood, four-time DP World Tour winner David Horsey and Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A winner, Christofer Blomstrand.
Entry to the Irish Challenge is FREE. To register for tickets, click HERE.
