Conor Purcell is gunning for consecutive wins on Irish soil as he gears up for the Irish Challenge at The K Club this week.
Fresh off his maiden Challenge Tour victory at the Black Desert NI Open, presented by Tom McKibbin, Purcell is riding a wave of confidence and aims to make it two wins in a row on the Road to Mallorca.
“One of my goals at the start of the year was to win on the Challenge Tour,” Purcell shared.
“I’ve put myself into winning positions a few times this season and not got over the line, so it was nice to do it so close to home last week.”
The triumph at Galgorm was a special moment for Purcell, not just for the victory itself but for the atmosphere that accompanied it.
“It kind of felt like I was playing in my back garden because I was hitting fairways and getting cheers from the crowd.
It was a surreal environment, especially walking up 18 because I could soak it all in,” he said.
“I had a good celebration with my family and friends on Sunday evening and I can’t wait to get going again on home soil at The K Club.”
At 27, Purcell has rocketed to fourth place on the Road to Mallorca Rankings, putting him in a prime position to secure his DP World Tour card.
The top 20 players at the end of the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final, supported by The R&A, earn a coveted spot on Golf’s Global Tour.
“I feel like my game is in a really good place and I’m going to keep focusing on the things I have been working on because it’s a long year and we still have 13 events left.
Hopefully, I can push on and get another win under my belt,” he remarked. “I’m in a nice position now on the Rankings and my aim is to finish inside the top 20. It’s not the time to step off the gas because I need to finish the job off.”
Returning to The K Club brings fond memories for Purcell, who finished tied for fifth in the Irish Challenge last year. He’s excited about competing on home soil once again.
“I’ve had some good results in the Irish Challenge, and I put it down to playing in a comfortable environment,” he noted.
“I’m able to stay at home this week because I live close to The K Club and being able to do the normal things in life between the golf is what I enjoy.”
The K Club, a prestigious venue known for hosting the 2006 Ryder Cup, is one of Ireland’s premier parkland courses.
“The K Club has always been one of the most attractive venues in Ireland and it really shines as a parkland layout.
The facilities are fantastic, and it provides us with a true test,” Purcell praised.
Purcell will also be vying for the Christy O’Connor Jnr Memorial Trophy, awarded to the highest finishing Irishman this week.
The winner earns a spot in the 2024 Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down.
The Irish Challenge will feature a strong field in Co. Kildare, including defending champion Brandon Robinson Thompson, Road to Mallorca leader Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, and seven-time DP World Tour winner Álvaro Quirós.
The tournament kicks off at 7:30 am local time, with Purcell teeing off alongside Robinson Thompson and Neergaard-Petersen at 8:30 am.
