Golf became an important part of David Mortimer's life many years ago when he discovered the Par 3 course at Renvyle House, in Connemara, just beside the Mortimer family home. Since those early days David has taken more than a passing interest in golf and has improved his game along the way - quietly and diligently – receiving recognition at Interprovincial level, Irish Youths and Irish Seniors level.
Standing six foot three, it is hard to imagine Mortimer as a quiet man but indeed he is. On a golf course that silence should not understate his winning mentality as he can go about his business with lethal efficiency. This was never more evident than at Seapoint Golf Club on the Saturday of the Irish PGA Championship, when he eased up the leader board unannounced to take the outright lead ahead of Sunday’s final round – winning the event with an eagle on the last green.
The reward for his round 69 on Saturday was a pairing with the pre-tournament favourite Damien McGrane in the chase for the Irish PGA Championship.
From the outset, composure never abandoned Mortimer, even at the second when McGrane levelled the scores with a birdie or even later at the ninth, when the best Mortimer could do was scramble a par, to remain just one shot behind.
Off the tenth tee box Mortimer replied with a fairway splitting drive, after McGrane went wayward, then carried two greenside bunkers with a superb second to settle on the green in two. With deadly accuracy, Mortimer holed his birdie chance to get back level - adding another birdie on the next hole to take a one shot lead until the 17th green.
On the final hole a stunning forty foot eagle putt was delivered by Mortimer with his usual calm, even under the pressure of a looming play off. That left even the experienced McGrane aghast and clutching his head momentarily - given he had just rattled the flag with his chip for an eagle and was waiting to putt for a birdie.
It was also the celebration of David's second Irish PGA title, four years after the last one. This has been a superb season for Mortimer that is culminating into a series of milestones, including the Glenmuir PGA Championship six weeks previously and passing through Stage 1 of the European Tour School - in dreadful weather conditions - at Dundonald Links.
Although the season is drawing to a close there are still more tournaments to be played before the Lexus Race to Mount Juliet order of merit is compiled. At present Mortimer is the leader.
Mortimer will also play in the Skins PGA Fourball Championship at Forest Pines on October 6-8th, with partner Kevin McGrath ( Birr ) as they seek victory in the 54-hole event at the Lincoln course against defending champion Stuart Taylor ( Island ) and new partner James Erskine ( Portpatrick ) Dunskey.
In mid November Mortimer then heads to Stage 2 of the European Tour Qualifying School with the other Irish prospects – team mate Michael Collins, Barrie Trainor and Gareth Shaw of Team Ireland, Damian Mooney, Michael McGeady of Cambridge-Duffy, Niall Turner, Stephen Grant and Mervyn Owens - where he believes there is unfinished business, having failed to make the grade on a couple of previous trips – even opting out last year as things were not right for him.
In 2011 Mortimer is lined up to play the PGA Cup for the Great Britain and Ireland team against the USA at CordeValle, California as part of his win at the Glenmuir PGA Championship Grand Final.
However before any of these trips, the 2010 Irish PGA Champion has earned a start at the £4,500,000 BMW PGA Championship flagship event at Wentworth next May and gets the opportunity to test his skills amidst the world’s best golfers on the redesigned West Course.
“At the start of the season, I was a bit cautious about how well things would go, but I'm not one for boasting and saying I'll do this and that," explained Mortimer recently. "I always knew what I was capable of and I feel it's best to be quietly confident."
Mortimer has achieved all this while still giving lessons at the GUI National Academy at Carton House where he is a teaching professional. Undoubtedly the students have learned that when the Quiet Man speaks one listens.
Rossa McDermott FOREIreland
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David Mortimer is a member of FORE Ireland
FORE Ireland promotes golf in Ireland and provides management to players on the European Tour - or trying to reach that goal. Team members included Michael Collins, Mark Staunton, Ted Higgins, Kevin Dorrian and Philip Walton.
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100th Irish PGA Championship results.
1 David Mortimer ( foreireland.com ) 70 70 69 68 -11.
2 Damien Mc Grane ( Unattached ) 71 70 69 68 -10.
3 John Kelly ( St.Margaret's ) 73 73 67 68 -7.
4 Neil Manchip ( GUI National Academy ) 67 72 73 70 -6.
Damian Mooney ( Unattached ) 66 73 71 72 -6.
6 Barrie Trainor ( Team Ireland Golf ) 70 71 72 70 -5.
7 Eamonn Brady ( Clontarf GC )71 75 67 71 -4.
8 Glen Robinson ( St Helen's Bay ) 72 72 72 69 -3.
9 Mark O'Sullivan (Ashbourne ) 70 76 69 71 -2.
10 Darren McWilliams ( Unattached ) 71 75 68 73 -1.
11 David Higgins ( Waterville ) 71 71 76 70 Par.
Brian McElhinney ( Team Ireland ) 69 76 69 74 Par.
13 Michael Allan (Pure Golf at Leopardstown ) 74 75 70 70 +1.
14 Des Smyth ( Unattached ) 69 75 71 75 +2.
Seamus Clinton ( Portsalon )72 73 68 77 +2.
16 Seamus McMonagle ( Edmondstown ) 71 80 71 69 +3.
Graeme Dunlea ( Adare Manor ) 71 74 72 74 +3.
Robert Giles ( Greenore )71 74 72 74 +3.
Shane Lowry ( Esker Hills ) 70 72 74 75 +3.
Mark Staunton ( foreireland.com ) 72 73 71 75 +3.
21 James Quinlivan ( Unattached )75 70 73 75 +5.
Michael McDermott ( Pure Golf Leopardstown )71 77 69 76 +5.
23 David Ryan ( Cahir Park ) 73 74 76 71 +6
John Dwyer ( Ashbourne ) 75 72 70 77 +6.
25 John Dignam ( Slade Valley ) 73 75 73 74 +7.
26 Cian McNamara ( Limerick ) 71 78 75 72 +8.
Jimmy Bolger ( Kilkenny ) 72 70 75 79 +8.
28 Michael Collins ( foreireland.com ) 78 73 68 78 +9.
29 Leslie Walker ( Dundalk ) 74 77 76 71 +10.
Peter Jones ( Coollattin )76 75 73 74 +10.
Liam Bowler ( Wexford ) 74 75 74 75 +10.
Enda McLoughlin ( Wicklow ) 70 79 74 75 +10
33 Eamonn Logue ( Hilton Templepatrick ) 76 75 75 73 +11.
34 Patrick Devine ( Royal Dublin ) 70 76 79 75 +12.
Connor Mallon ( Narin & Portnoo ) 72 75 76 77 +12.
Joe Murray ( Hollystown ) 78 69 72 81 +12.
37 Brendan McGovern ( Headfort ) 71 78 78 74 +13.
Ted Higgins ( foreireland.com ) 78 73 76 74 +13.
Michael Mulryan ( Athenry ) 72 77 75 77 +13.
40 Michael O'Shea ( Callan ) 76 73 78 75 +14
41 Peter Hanna ( Lurgan ) 74 76 75 78 +15.
Peter Martin ( Riverside Golf Academy ) 76 75 73 79 +15.
43 Chris Moriarty ( Donaghadee )75 73 78 78 +16.
Richard Creamer ( Tuam ) 71 74 79 80 +16.
Philip Walton ( foreireland.com )73 77 74 80 +16.
Marcus Twitchett ( Hilton Templepatrick )76 75 73 80 +16.
47 Kenny Fahey ( GUI National Academy )71 78 78 78 +17.
Kevin Dorrian ( Scrabo ) 75 76 76 78 +17.
49 Paul Stevenson ( Portadown )76 72 77 81 +18.
50 Nigel Howley ( Balbriggan ) 74 74 77 82 +19.
51 Melvyn Flanagan ( Mount Temple ) 76 74 78 80 +20.
52 David Walker ( Foxrock ) 74 77 81 80 +24.
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Tuesday 28 September 2010
THE LONG ROAD TO WIN A EUROPEAN TOUR CARD.
There is a long road ahead for around a 1,000 young guys looking to break into the European Tour for 2011. The qualifing takes place in three stages and finishes with only the top 30 gaining a card after 252 holes. That is 14 rounds of golf and it costs each player £1,350 to enter.
Stage 1 has been completed. A total of 48 Irish Amateurs and Professionals played 72 holes with only 9 surviving to reach stage 2.
There were 8 different venues used for stage 1 ranging from England, Scotland, Austria, Portugal, France, Germany and Italy.
Michael McGeady had a pair of 67s to easily come through in 3rd place around the London Club on -13. He was joined by Niall Turner who finished with a 67 to squeese through on the -5 cut mark.
Mervyn Owens closed with a 68 at Fleesensee Golf Club in Germany to finish on level par and along with Stephen Grant 71 they made it through on the level par cut mark.
The 19 Irish playing at Dundonald Links in Scotland had constant delays because of the high winds. They finished up playing 36 holes on the final day. Big hitting Damien Mooney, hit the low score of the week in round 2. He had a -6 round of 66 which helped him into 2nd spot on 2 over par. Gareth Shaw made a great recovery with a closing 69 to make the +16 cut by 4 shots. Also through is Michael Collins on +8, David Mortimer and Barrie Trainor on +15.
The 9 golfers who made it through stage 1, will now make their way to Spain on the 26th - 29th November. There are 4 courses used for stage 2, Costa Ballena, Arcos Gardens in Jerez, El Valle & Hacienda del Alamo in Murcia.
If any come through stage 2 they will make their way to the PGA Catalunya Resort in Girona for the final 108 hole on the 4th - 9th December. 156 golfers will play 72 holes with the top 70 & ties playing a further 36 holes to decide the 30 places for European Tour golf next year.
Stage 1 has been completed. A total of 48 Irish Amateurs and Professionals played 72 holes with only 9 surviving to reach stage 2.
There were 8 different venues used for stage 1 ranging from England, Scotland, Austria, Portugal, France, Germany and Italy.
Michael McGeady had a pair of 67s to easily come through in 3rd place around the London Club on -13. He was joined by Niall Turner who finished with a 67 to squeese through on the -5 cut mark.
Mervyn Owens closed with a 68 at Fleesensee Golf Club in Germany to finish on level par and along with Stephen Grant 71 they made it through on the level par cut mark.
The 19 Irish playing at Dundonald Links in Scotland had constant delays because of the high winds. They finished up playing 36 holes on the final day. Big hitting Damien Mooney, hit the low score of the week in round 2. He had a -6 round of 66 which helped him into 2nd spot on 2 over par. Gareth Shaw made a great recovery with a closing 69 to make the +16 cut by 4 shots. Also through is Michael Collins on +8, David Mortimer and Barrie Trainor on +15.
The 9 golfers who made it through stage 1, will now make their way to Spain on the 26th - 29th November. There are 4 courses used for stage 2, Costa Ballena, Arcos Gardens in Jerez, El Valle & Hacienda del Alamo in Murcia.
If any come through stage 2 they will make their way to the PGA Catalunya Resort in Girona for the final 108 hole on the 4th - 9th December. 156 golfers will play 72 holes with the top 70 & ties playing a further 36 holes to decide the 30 places for European Tour golf next year.
Monday 20 September 2010
MARK O' SULLIVAN WINS CONNEMARA PRO-AM.
Former Irish Close Champion, Mark O'Sullivan from Galway, now an assistant Professional at Ashbourne Golf Club won the 36 hole Connemara Irish PGA Pro-Am with scores of 73,70.
O'Sullivan, who is the reigning Irish PGA Assistants' Champion has got his game in good shape for the defence of his title coming up next month at his new club, Ashbourne.
O'Sullivan was the only player to finish under par in the wet and windy conditions. He had 3 shots to spare from Kenny Fahey ( GUI National Academy ), Peter Martin ( Riverside golf academy ) and Wayne O'Callaghan ( Wayne O'Callaghan golf.com ).
Local professional Hugh O'Neill led the field with an opening 2 under par 70, but faded in the 2nd round with a 78. His consolation was to win the team event with three local amateurs. They returned 87 and 84 points to win by 3 points from Michael Mulryan's ( Athenry ) team who had a brilliant 91 points in the 2nd round.
1 Mark O'Sullivan ( Ashbourne )Golf Club 143 -1.
2 Kenny Fahey ( GUI National Academy )146 +2.
Peter Martin ( Riverside )146 +2.
Wayne O'Callaghan ( Wayne O'Callaghan Golf.com )146 +2.
5 Garry Cullen ( Beaverstown )148 +4.
David Higgins ( Waterville )148 +4.
David Mortimer ( foreireland.com )148 +4.
Damian Mooney ( Unattached )148 +4.
Hugh O'Neill ( Connemara ) 148 +4.
10Jimmy Bolger ( Kilkenny )149 +5.
Brendan McDermott ( Castlecomer )149 +5.
Darren McWilliams ( Unattached )149 +5.
13Shaun Donnelly ( Castle Hume )150 +6.
Ian Kerr ( Bunclody )150 +6.
Eamonn Brady ( Clontarf ) 150 +6.
John Dignam ( Slade Valley )150 +6.
O'Sullivan, who is the reigning Irish PGA Assistants' Champion has got his game in good shape for the defence of his title coming up next month at his new club, Ashbourne.
O'Sullivan was the only player to finish under par in the wet and windy conditions. He had 3 shots to spare from Kenny Fahey ( GUI National Academy ), Peter Martin ( Riverside golf academy ) and Wayne O'Callaghan ( Wayne O'Callaghan golf.com ).
Local professional Hugh O'Neill led the field with an opening 2 under par 70, but faded in the 2nd round with a 78. His consolation was to win the team event with three local amateurs. They returned 87 and 84 points to win by 3 points from Michael Mulryan's ( Athenry ) team who had a brilliant 91 points in the 2nd round.
1 Mark O'Sullivan ( Ashbourne )Golf Club 143 -1.
2 Kenny Fahey ( GUI National Academy )146 +2.
Peter Martin ( Riverside )146 +2.
Wayne O'Callaghan ( Wayne O'Callaghan Golf.com )146 +2.
5 Garry Cullen ( Beaverstown )148 +4.
David Higgins ( Waterville )148 +4.
David Mortimer ( foreireland.com )148 +4.
Damian Mooney ( Unattached )148 +4.
Hugh O'Neill ( Connemara ) 148 +4.
10Jimmy Bolger ( Kilkenny )149 +5.
Brendan McDermott ( Castlecomer )149 +5.
Darren McWilliams ( Unattached )149 +5.
13Shaun Donnelly ( Castle Hume )150 +6.
Ian Kerr ( Bunclody )150 +6.
Eamonn Brady ( Clontarf ) 150 +6.
John Dignam ( Slade Valley )150 +6.
MIXED RESULTS FOR ULSTER IN ALL-IRELAND FINALS.
Five Ulster golf clubs made the long journey to Castlebar to represent Ulster in the All Ireland finals of the Senior Cup, Barton Shield, Junior Cup, Jimmy Bruen Shield and the Pierce Purcell Shield.
The only team to bring home the gold medals were Dunmurry, who won the Barton Shield. Darren Crowe and Patrick McGlone finished level in their semi-final match against Bandon golf club from Cork. Stephan Crowe and Glenn McAuley held on for a one hole win to set Dunmurry up for a final game against Headfort golf club. Headfort had a very convincing win over Galway beating them by 7 holes.
In the final, Dunmurry made no mistakes, with Darren Crowe and Patrick McGlone getting off to a great start against Joe Dillan & Greg Mungovan. They went on to win by 5 holes and with Stephan Crowe and Glenn McAuley holding Rory McNamara and Brian Casey level, the All Ireland Barton Shield went to Dunmurry team captain, Tony Cassidy for the first time.
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Lurgan golf club looked very good against Kilkenny in the semi-final of the Senior Cup when they won 4-1, taking the top 3 matches with wins from Francis Tallon 3/2, Steve Kelly 2/1 and Dave Sutton. Sutton earned the winning point with a 4/3 victory over past Irish Champion, Eddie Power. In the other semi-final Bandon beat Co.Sligo 3-2.
Bandon, with the disappointment of losing the Barton Shield final to Dunmurry had to face another Ulster team, Lurgan, this time in the Senior Cup final.
It was new ground for both teams as neither had reached this stage before. The weather took a turn for the worse as the golfers had to play through continuous rain all afternoon. Bandon handled the conditions best, winning the first point with Brian O'Donavan beating Francis Tallon 4/3. Steve Kelly went down 5/4 to Kieran Hurley and when James Horan lost in the final match against Donal O'Donavan 4/2, Lurgan had to admit defeat.
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Portumna Golf club from Galway beat Banbridge in the semi-final of the Junior Cup by 3.5 - 1.5 but the match was a lot closer than the result suggests.
Four of the games went to the 17th or 18th holes. Ross McCandless got Banbridge off to a winning start with a 2/1 win in the top match over Ger Lynch. Luke Woods and Rory Madeley were beaten, giving Portumna a 2-1 lead. There was disappointment for Banbridge when Jonathan Burns went down on the final green to Shane Ryan, giving Portuma a place in the final against Naas who beat East Cork by the same 3.5-1.5 margin.
Portumna went on to collect the Junior Cup with a convincing 3-2 win over Naas.
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Tandragee Golf Club represented Ulster in the Jimmy Bruen Shield and they were up against Swinford golf club in the semi-final, while Clontarf faced Carrick-on-Suir in the other semi-final.
Tandragee got a great start, winning the top game with Gordon Haire & Johnny Quinn combining well to win 3/2. Swinford drew level with a 2/1 win in the 2nd game. After that it was all Tandragee. Ryan Harper & Warren Jardine got their win on the 18th and Ross Dutton & Stefan McNeill got the winning point with a 2/1 victory.
Tandragee had to face Leinster Champions Clontarf in the final, as they beat Carrick-on-Suir by 3.5-1.5.
In the final Stefan Greenburg & Mark Bannerman got the 1st point on the board for Tandragee with a 2/1 win. There was heartbreak for Tandragee when their top pair of Gordon Haire & Johnny Quinn went down on the 20th hole. Ryan Harpur & Warren Jardine and the final pair of Emmet Nixon & Jeff Forde were both beaten to give Clontarf the All Ireland Shield.
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Lisburn golf club went down to Nenagh Golf Club in the semi-finals of the Pierce Purcell Shield on the final green in the final match at Castlebar.
Brian Houston & Paul Smyth won 3/2 and Malcolm Stewart & Barry McQuillan 4/3 recording great wins for Lisburn but it wasn't enough as Chris Cork & Colin Hill and Alan Walker & John Kelso were both beaten on the 14th green. With the tie locked at 2 points each all attention turned to the final game.
Robert Campbell & Colin Jeffers for Lisburn worked hard for a win but had to admit defeat to Sean McLaughlin & William Harty from Nenagh on the final green.
Curragh golf club beat Co.Sligo 3.5-1.5 and went on to beat Nenagh by the same margin in the final.
The only team to bring home the gold medals were Dunmurry, who won the Barton Shield. Darren Crowe and Patrick McGlone finished level in their semi-final match against Bandon golf club from Cork. Stephan Crowe and Glenn McAuley held on for a one hole win to set Dunmurry up for a final game against Headfort golf club. Headfort had a very convincing win over Galway beating them by 7 holes.
In the final, Dunmurry made no mistakes, with Darren Crowe and Patrick McGlone getting off to a great start against Joe Dillan & Greg Mungovan. They went on to win by 5 holes and with Stephan Crowe and Glenn McAuley holding Rory McNamara and Brian Casey level, the All Ireland Barton Shield went to Dunmurry team captain, Tony Cassidy for the first time.
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Lurgan golf club looked very good against Kilkenny in the semi-final of the Senior Cup when they won 4-1, taking the top 3 matches with wins from Francis Tallon 3/2, Steve Kelly 2/1 and Dave Sutton. Sutton earned the winning point with a 4/3 victory over past Irish Champion, Eddie Power. In the other semi-final Bandon beat Co.Sligo 3-2.
Bandon, with the disappointment of losing the Barton Shield final to Dunmurry had to face another Ulster team, Lurgan, this time in the Senior Cup final.
It was new ground for both teams as neither had reached this stage before. The weather took a turn for the worse as the golfers had to play through continuous rain all afternoon. Bandon handled the conditions best, winning the first point with Brian O'Donavan beating Francis Tallon 4/3. Steve Kelly went down 5/4 to Kieran Hurley and when James Horan lost in the final match against Donal O'Donavan 4/2, Lurgan had to admit defeat.
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Portumna Golf club from Galway beat Banbridge in the semi-final of the Junior Cup by 3.5 - 1.5 but the match was a lot closer than the result suggests.
Four of the games went to the 17th or 18th holes. Ross McCandless got Banbridge off to a winning start with a 2/1 win in the top match over Ger Lynch. Luke Woods and Rory Madeley were beaten, giving Portumna a 2-1 lead. There was disappointment for Banbridge when Jonathan Burns went down on the final green to Shane Ryan, giving Portuma a place in the final against Naas who beat East Cork by the same 3.5-1.5 margin.
Portumna went on to collect the Junior Cup with a convincing 3-2 win over Naas.
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Tandragee Golf Club represented Ulster in the Jimmy Bruen Shield and they were up against Swinford golf club in the semi-final, while Clontarf faced Carrick-on-Suir in the other semi-final.
Tandragee got a great start, winning the top game with Gordon Haire & Johnny Quinn combining well to win 3/2. Swinford drew level with a 2/1 win in the 2nd game. After that it was all Tandragee. Ryan Harper & Warren Jardine got their win on the 18th and Ross Dutton & Stefan McNeill got the winning point with a 2/1 victory.
Tandragee had to face Leinster Champions Clontarf in the final, as they beat Carrick-on-Suir by 3.5-1.5.
In the final Stefan Greenburg & Mark Bannerman got the 1st point on the board for Tandragee with a 2/1 win. There was heartbreak for Tandragee when their top pair of Gordon Haire & Johnny Quinn went down on the 20th hole. Ryan Harpur & Warren Jardine and the final pair of Emmet Nixon & Jeff Forde were both beaten to give Clontarf the All Ireland Shield.
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Lisburn golf club went down to Nenagh Golf Club in the semi-finals of the Pierce Purcell Shield on the final green in the final match at Castlebar.
Brian Houston & Paul Smyth won 3/2 and Malcolm Stewart & Barry McQuillan 4/3 recording great wins for Lisburn but it wasn't enough as Chris Cork & Colin Hill and Alan Walker & John Kelso were both beaten on the 14th green. With the tie locked at 2 points each all attention turned to the final game.
Robert Campbell & Colin Jeffers for Lisburn worked hard for a win but had to admit defeat to Sean McLaughlin & William Harty from Nenagh on the final green.
Curragh golf club beat Co.Sligo 3.5-1.5 and went on to beat Nenagh by the same margin in the final.
JOSE MANUEL LARA WINS AUSTRIA OPEN IN A PLAY-OFF.
What a difference two weeks can make in the life of a tour golfer. Jose Manuel Lara was struggling to keep his tour card, having missed 9 consecutive cuts, when he tee'd off in the KLM Dutch Open. He finished 4th and with his confidence restored, he headed for the Austrian Open.
Lara opened with a 66, followed up with a 71 and 70 and closed with a brilliant 66 to set the clubhouse target of 17 under par. Overnight leader David Lynn joined him on that score, while Graeme McDowell, Alexander Noren and Danny Willett fell off the pace to finish in joint 3rd on -14.
Lara won at the first tie-hole with a par, as Lynn drove into the rough and couldn't make the green in regulation.
Two weeks ago, Lara was facing a visit to tour school with an uncertain future. Now he is up to 93rd in the Race to Dubai and has guaranteed his future for the next two years with an exemption on the European Tour.
As well as Graeme McDowell finishing 3rd, Damien McGrane was 6th on 13 under par after rounds of 67,76,67,65. Simon Thornton is getting closer to keeping his tour card. He won €7,012 for a share of 26th place on 6 under par and Gary Murphy got through the cut on the +1 mark. He finished well down in 64th on 4 over par.
Lara opened with a 66, followed up with a 71 and 70 and closed with a brilliant 66 to set the clubhouse target of 17 under par. Overnight leader David Lynn joined him on that score, while Graeme McDowell, Alexander Noren and Danny Willett fell off the pace to finish in joint 3rd on -14.
Lara won at the first tie-hole with a par, as Lynn drove into the rough and couldn't make the green in regulation.
Two weeks ago, Lara was facing a visit to tour school with an uncertain future. Now he is up to 93rd in the Race to Dubai and has guaranteed his future for the next two years with an exemption on the European Tour.
As well as Graeme McDowell finishing 3rd, Damien McGrane was 6th on 13 under par after rounds of 67,76,67,65. Simon Thornton is getting closer to keeping his tour card. He won €7,012 for a share of 26th place on 6 under par and Gary Murphy got through the cut on the +1 mark. He finished well down in 64th on 4 over par.
Friday 17 September 2010
DARREN MC WILLIAMS WINS BALLINROBE PRO-AM.
Darren McWilliams collected his second Pro-Am win on the Irish PGA circuit this year, when he returned a 3 under par round of 70 in the Ballinrobe Pro-Am. His previous win was at the Fintona Pro-Am with a 2 under par 70.
It has been a good year for McWilliams as he has also finished 2nd on four occasions, and 3rd in both the Ulster and Southern Championships. His fine golf has him in 3rd position on the " Race To Mount Juliet " order of merit, coming towards the end of the season.
Thomas Niland ( Athenry ) finished runner up to McWilliams with a 2 under par round of 71, with Eoin O'Connor ( Kilkenny ) , David Ryan ( Cahir Park ) and Eamon Brady ( Clontarf ) 3rd with 1 under par rounds of 72.
John Dignam ( Slade Valley ) took in the winning Pro-Am team with a great score of 93 points, beating Chris McVitty's ( Bundoran )team by 1 point.
Ballinrobe Professional Results
-------------------------------
1 Darren McWilliams ( Unattached )70 -3.
2 Thomas Niland ( Athenry )71 -2.
3 Eoin O'Connor ( Kilkenny )71 -1.
David Ryan ( Cahir Park )71 -1.
Eamonn Brady ( Clontarf )71 -1.
6 Mark O'Sullivan ( Ashbourne )73 Par.
Neil Manchip ( GUI National Academy )73 Par.
John Dwyer ( Ashbourne )73 Par.
9 Michael Mulryan ( Athenry ) 74 +1.
Brendan McDermott ( Castlecomer )74 +1.
Robert Giles ( Greenore )74 +1.
John Dignam ( Slade Valley )74 +1.
Hugh O'Neill ( Connemara )74 +1.
14Rory Dervin ( Balbriggan )75 +2.
David Hughes ( Massereene )75 +2.
Anthony Hanlon ( Stackstown )75 +2.
Peter Jones ( Coollattin )75 +2.
It has been a good year for McWilliams as he has also finished 2nd on four occasions, and 3rd in both the Ulster and Southern Championships. His fine golf has him in 3rd position on the " Race To Mount Juliet " order of merit, coming towards the end of the season.
Thomas Niland ( Athenry ) finished runner up to McWilliams with a 2 under par round of 71, with Eoin O'Connor ( Kilkenny ) , David Ryan ( Cahir Park ) and Eamon Brady ( Clontarf ) 3rd with 1 under par rounds of 72.
John Dignam ( Slade Valley ) took in the winning Pro-Am team with a great score of 93 points, beating Chris McVitty's ( Bundoran )team by 1 point.
Ballinrobe Professional Results
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1 Darren McWilliams ( Unattached )70 -3.
2 Thomas Niland ( Athenry )71 -2.
3 Eoin O'Connor ( Kilkenny )71 -1.
David Ryan ( Cahir Park )71 -1.
Eamonn Brady ( Clontarf )71 -1.
6 Mark O'Sullivan ( Ashbourne )73 Par.
Neil Manchip ( GUI National Academy )73 Par.
John Dwyer ( Ashbourne )73 Par.
9 Michael Mulryan ( Athenry ) 74 +1.
Brendan McDermott ( Castlecomer )74 +1.
Robert Giles ( Greenore )74 +1.
John Dignam ( Slade Valley )74 +1.
Hugh O'Neill ( Connemara )74 +1.
14Rory Dervin ( Balbriggan )75 +2.
David Hughes ( Massereene )75 +2.
Anthony Hanlon ( Stackstown )75 +2.
Peter Jones ( Coollattin )75 +2.
IRELAND WIN THE MENS SENIOR HOME INTERNATIONALS.
The Irish Men's Senior team got revenge over England by beating them by 6 - 3 on the opening day of the Home Internationals at Crail Golf Club in Scotland. England had beaten Ireland in the final of the European Senior Championship only last month.
Maurice Kelly and Adrian Morrow lost the opening foursomes but after that it was all Ireland as they won the following two foursomes and four of the six singles matches for a brilliant victory in near gale force winds.
Day two saw Ireland beat Wales by 6.5 - 2.5 matches, and needed only a draw against the home nation, Scotland, for victory. 3 - 0 up after the foursomes matches, Ireland cruised to their third title in a row with 4.5 wins from 6 in the singles matches.
The top performer for Ireland was Bangor's Gareth McGimpsey who won all three foursomes games with Greenore's Seamus McParland and all three singles games against some tough opposition. Michael Quirke from Doneraile was also unbeaten. He won 5.5 out of a possible 6 points.
Ireland's team captain, Barry Doyle was delighted to bring home the trophy for the 3rd year in a row after wins at Tenby in 2008 and Westport last year.
Irish Senior Team.
-----------------
Maurice Kelly, Kileen.
Adrian Morrow, Portmarnock.
Gareth McGimpsey, Bangor.
Seamus McParland, Greenore.
Tom Cleary, Cork.
Michael Quirke, Doneraile.
Bill Donlon, Birr.
Maurice Kelly and Adrian Morrow lost the opening foursomes but after that it was all Ireland as they won the following two foursomes and four of the six singles matches for a brilliant victory in near gale force winds.
Day two saw Ireland beat Wales by 6.5 - 2.5 matches, and needed only a draw against the home nation, Scotland, for victory. 3 - 0 up after the foursomes matches, Ireland cruised to their third title in a row with 4.5 wins from 6 in the singles matches.
The top performer for Ireland was Bangor's Gareth McGimpsey who won all three foursomes games with Greenore's Seamus McParland and all three singles games against some tough opposition. Michael Quirke from Doneraile was also unbeaten. He won 5.5 out of a possible 6 points.
Ireland's team captain, Barry Doyle was delighted to bring home the trophy for the 3rd year in a row after wins at Tenby in 2008 and Westport last year.
Irish Senior Team.
-----------------
Maurice Kelly, Kileen.
Adrian Morrow, Portmarnock.
Gareth McGimpsey, Bangor.
Seamus McParland, Greenore.
Tom Cleary, Cork.
Michael Quirke, Doneraile.
Bill Donlon, Birr.
Monday 13 September 2010
(40)LETTERKENNY BEAT WARRENPOINT TO WIN THE ULSTER CUP.
Letterkenny won the 2010 Ulster Cup for only the second time in the 97 year history of the competition, beating Warrenpoint who have never won the Ulster Cup before, by a 10 - 4 margin. The Donegal side made their intentions clear when they beat the Co.Down side 6 - 1 at home in the first leg.
A large crowd from Donegal, who made the journey to Warrenpoint for the return match, weren't disappointed. Letterkenny quickly earned their required points and all the remaining games were called off the course to start an early celebration.
Norman Bennett from the GUI presented the cup and pennant to the Letterkenny team captain, Mike Garry. Mike thanked Michael Sands, team captain of the Warrenpoint team for a very sporting game. He also thanked the sponsor Bill Miscampbell, and the competition convenor Sam McBurney.
Before presenting the Ulster Cup to the Letterkenny Club Captain, Brian O'Reilly, Mike thanked all his players and caddies who have travelled all over Ulster, starting with a trip to Moyola Park back in May. They then beat Mahee Island, Portstewart, Rockmount and Silverwood before taking on Warrenpoint in the final.
Letterkenny Club Captain, Brian O'Reilly thanked Mike and the whole squad for all their hard work over the summer. He was delighted to see the Ulster Cup heading back to the club for the first time since 1987. Brian also thanked the Warrenpoint Club Captain, Willie Hanna, for the kind hospitality shown to all the Letterkenny team and supporters.
A large crowd from Donegal, who made the journey to Warrenpoint for the return match, weren't disappointed. Letterkenny quickly earned their required points and all the remaining games were called off the course to start an early celebration.
Norman Bennett from the GUI presented the cup and pennant to the Letterkenny team captain, Mike Garry. Mike thanked Michael Sands, team captain of the Warrenpoint team for a very sporting game. He also thanked the sponsor Bill Miscampbell, and the competition convenor Sam McBurney.
Before presenting the Ulster Cup to the Letterkenny Club Captain, Brian O'Reilly, Mike thanked all his players and caddies who have travelled all over Ulster, starting with a trip to Moyola Park back in May. They then beat Mahee Island, Portstewart, Rockmount and Silverwood before taking on Warrenpoint in the final.
Letterkenny Club Captain, Brian O'Reilly thanked Mike and the whole squad for all their hard work over the summer. He was delighted to see the Ulster Cup heading back to the club for the first time since 1987. Brian also thanked the Warrenpoint Club Captain, Willie Hanna, for the kind hospitality shown to all the Letterkenny team and supporters.
(39)PETER MARTIN WINS HIS 3RD PRO-AM OF THE YEAR.
Peter Martin ( Riverside Golf Academy ) completed his hat trick of Pro-Am wins on the Irish PGA circuit this year when he won the Helen's Bay event with a 4 under par 64. Martin had already won at Dunmurry and Beaverstown back in May and is now inside the top 20 on the " Race to Mount Juliet " order of merit table.
Johnny Foster ( Greenacres ) and Darren McWilliams ( Unattached ) were 2nd on 65 ( -3 ).
It was a good three days for Marcus Twitchett ( Hilton Templepatrick ).He won the top Professional prize at Cairndhu and then the following day at Helen's Bay he brought home the winning team score of 94 points with 3 local members. Peter Hanna ( Lurgan ) had the 2nd best team score with 92 points.
Helens Bay Results.
-------------------
1 Peter Martin ( Riverside Golf Academy )64 -4.
2 Johnny Foster ( Greenacres ) 65 -3.
Darren McWilliams ( Unattached )65 -3.
4 Damian Mooney ( Unattached )66 -2.
Richard McCormick ( Unattached )66 -2.
6 John P. Dolan ( Dunfanaghy )67 -1
Brendan McDermott ( Castlecomer )67 -1.
Eamonn Logue ( Hilton Templepatrick )67 -1.
9 David Hughes ( Massereene )69 +1.
Geoff Loughrey ( Roganstown )69 +1.
Derek McNamara ( Portmarnock )69 +1.
Leo Hynes ( Ballinstoe )69 +1.
13Phillip Collins ( Galgorm Castle )70 +2.
14Kevin Dorrian ( Scrabo Golf Club )71 +3.
Seamus Clinton ( Portsalon )71 +3.
16Ted Higgins ( foreireland.com )72 +4.
Martin McTernan ( Co. Sligo )72 +4.
Paul Stevenson ( Portadown ) 72 +4.
Johnny Foster ( Greenacres ) and Darren McWilliams ( Unattached ) were 2nd on 65 ( -3 ).
It was a good three days for Marcus Twitchett ( Hilton Templepatrick ).He won the top Professional prize at Cairndhu and then the following day at Helen's Bay he brought home the winning team score of 94 points with 3 local members. Peter Hanna ( Lurgan ) had the 2nd best team score with 92 points.
Helens Bay Results.
-------------------
1 Peter Martin ( Riverside Golf Academy )64 -4.
2 Johnny Foster ( Greenacres ) 65 -3.
Darren McWilliams ( Unattached )65 -3.
4 Damian Mooney ( Unattached )66 -2.
Richard McCormick ( Unattached )66 -2.
6 John P. Dolan ( Dunfanaghy )67 -1
Brendan McDermott ( Castlecomer )67 -1.
Eamonn Logue ( Hilton Templepatrick )67 -1.
9 David Hughes ( Massereene )69 +1.
Geoff Loughrey ( Roganstown )69 +1.
Derek McNamara ( Portmarnock )69 +1.
Leo Hynes ( Ballinstoe )69 +1.
13Phillip Collins ( Galgorm Castle )70 +2.
14Kevin Dorrian ( Scrabo Golf Club )71 +3.
Seamus Clinton ( Portsalon )71 +3.
16Ted Higgins ( foreireland.com )72 +4.
Martin McTernan ( Co. Sligo )72 +4.
Paul Stevenson ( Portadown ) 72 +4.
(38)MARCUS TWITCHETT WINS CAIRNDHU PRO-AM.
Hilton Templepatrick Professional, Marcus Twitchett won the 36 hole Cairndhu Pro-Am with two steady rounds of 69 and 68 ( -3 ) to overtake the overnight leaders Robert Giles ( Greenore ), Stephen Hamill ( Lisburn ) and Brendan McDermott ( Castlecomer ). Giles added a level par 70 to take 2nd place on 138 ( -2 ) while Hamill, 71 shared 3rd place with Gary Chambers ( Killymoon ) on 139 ( -1 ). McDermott took 73 and finished 7th along with Brendan McGovern ( Headfort )on 141 ( +1 ).
Peter McClelland ( Unattached ) walked off with the team prize with a fantastic 36 hole total of 187 points. Robert Giles' team came in 2nd, 8 points behind the winners with 179 points.
Cairndhu Pro-Am Results.
------------------------
1 Marcus Twitchett ( Hilton Templepatrick ) 69 68 -3.
2 Robert Giles ( Greenore ) 68 70 -2.
3 Stephen Hamill ( Lisburn ) 68 71 -1.
Gary Chambers ( Killymoon ) 69 70 -1.
5 Philip Walton ( foreireland.com ) 69 71 Par.
Thomas McIntyre ( Ballyclare ) 70 70 Par.
7 Brendan McGovern ( Headfort ) 71 70 +1.
Brendan McDermott ( Castlecomer ) 68 73 +1.
9 Kenny Fahey ( GUI National Academy ) 70 72 +2.
Seamus Clinton ( Portsalon ) 73 69 +2.
11Richard Whitford ( Knock )70 73 +3.
Connor Mallon ( Narin & Portnoo ) 72 71 +3.
Jerry Scullion ( Royal County Down ) 70 73 +3.
Eoin O'Connor ( Kilkenny )73 70 +3.
Peter McClelland ( Unattached ) walked off with the team prize with a fantastic 36 hole total of 187 points. Robert Giles' team came in 2nd, 8 points behind the winners with 179 points.
Cairndhu Pro-Am Results.
------------------------
1 Marcus Twitchett ( Hilton Templepatrick ) 69 68 -3.
2 Robert Giles ( Greenore ) 68 70 -2.
3 Stephen Hamill ( Lisburn ) 68 71 -1.
Gary Chambers ( Killymoon ) 69 70 -1.
5 Philip Walton ( foreireland.com ) 69 71 Par.
Thomas McIntyre ( Ballyclare ) 70 70 Par.
7 Brendan McGovern ( Headfort ) 71 70 +1.
Brendan McDermott ( Castlecomer ) 68 73 +1.
9 Kenny Fahey ( GUI National Academy ) 70 72 +2.
Seamus Clinton ( Portsalon ) 73 69 +2.
11Richard Whitford ( Knock )70 73 +3.
Connor Mallon ( Narin & Portnoo ) 72 71 +3.
Jerry Scullion ( Royal County Down ) 70 73 +3.
Eoin O'Connor ( Kilkenny )73 70 +3.
(38)MARTIN KAYMER WINS ON HIS RETURN FROM USPGA.
Martin Kaymer made a winning return in his first outing since he won the USPGA Championship. He cruised to victory at the KLM Dutch Open with a marvellous display of precision golf.
Kaymer hit rounds of 67,67,66,66 for a 14 under par total that was good enough to win by 4 strokes from Fabrizio Zanotti and Christian Nilsson.
The win takes Kaymer almost €500,000 ahead of Graeme McDowell on the "Race to Dubai" table with earnings of €2,554,400 this year.
It was a different story for the two runner-ups. Nilsson was 144th in the order of merit while Zanotti was 111th. With only the top 115 guaranteed to keep their place on tour next year they were under pressure to perform. They both birdied the 18th to share 2nd and collect a cheque for €156,340 each.The pair can now relax as Zanotti is now 74th and Nilsson is up to 88th.
Darren Clarke returned another fine performance with a 17th place finish after rounds of 68,71,67,68 ( -6 ). Damien McGrane was 26th on -4 after scores of 68,67,72 and 69.
The other Irish results were:
34th Peter Lawrie 69,68,69,71 ( -3 )
50th Shane Lowry 71,69,69,70 ( -1 )
57th Michael Hoey 72,67,66,75.Gareth Maybin 72,67,72,69. Simon Thornton 69,71,70,70 ( Par )
Missed Cut, Par 140.
Paul McGinley 71,73 ( +4 )
Gary Murphy 71,73 ( +4 )
Kaymer hit rounds of 67,67,66,66 for a 14 under par total that was good enough to win by 4 strokes from Fabrizio Zanotti and Christian Nilsson.
The win takes Kaymer almost €500,000 ahead of Graeme McDowell on the "Race to Dubai" table with earnings of €2,554,400 this year.
It was a different story for the two runner-ups. Nilsson was 144th in the order of merit while Zanotti was 111th. With only the top 115 guaranteed to keep their place on tour next year they were under pressure to perform. They both birdied the 18th to share 2nd and collect a cheque for €156,340 each.The pair can now relax as Zanotti is now 74th and Nilsson is up to 88th.
Darren Clarke returned another fine performance with a 17th place finish after rounds of 68,71,67,68 ( -6 ). Damien McGrane was 26th on -4 after scores of 68,67,72 and 69.
The other Irish results were:
34th Peter Lawrie 69,68,69,71 ( -3 )
50th Shane Lowry 71,69,69,70 ( -1 )
57th Michael Hoey 72,67,66,75.Gareth Maybin 72,67,72,69. Simon Thornton 69,71,70,70 ( Par )
Missed Cut, Par 140.
Paul McGinley 71,73 ( +4 )
Gary Murphy 71,73 ( +4 )
Saturday 11 September 2010
(37)SCOTLAND WIN THE WOMEN'S HOME INTERNATIONALS.
Scotland won the Women's Home Internationals for the first time since 1991 when they defeated Ireland by a slender 5 - 4 margin at Whitchurch Golf Club in Cardiff, Wales.
Ireland only needed a draw against Scotland after two very convincing wins over England 8-1 and defending champions Wales by 6-3. Scotland beat the champions Wales by 6.5 - 2.5 but struggled to beat England by 5-4 leaving Ireland at the top of the table on points going into the final.
The Maguire twins were the only winners in the foursomes beating Pamela Pretswell & Jane Turner on the final green to leave Scotland with a 2 - 1 advantage heading into the singles.
Irish champion Mary Dowling went down on the final green to Kelsey MacDonald in the top match. Danielle Mc Veigh had her 3rd singles win of the week when she beat Jane Turner on the 13th green. Lisa Maguire made it 6 wins from 6 when she defeated Rachel Watton by 1 hole. Charlene Reid was also undefeated in the singles when she beat Megan Briggs on the 17th. Sinead o Sullivan went down on the 16th to Louise Kenney to leave the sides level at 4 points each, with only one game left on the course.
Leona Maguire was up against her Curtis Cup team mate, Pamela Pretswell. After a great battle the game was square playing the 18th and looked like Ireland could get the half point required for victory, with Leona safely in with a par. Pamela had other ideas and calmly rolled in a 15 foot birdie putt to spoil the Irish party by a single point.
(1ST)SCOTLAND 3 POINTS,(2ND)IRELAND 2 POINTS,(3RD)WALES 1/2 POINT,(4TH)ENGLAND 1/2 POINT.
IRELAND TEAM
------------
Louise Coffey ( Malone )
Mary Dowling ( New Ross )
Leona Maguire ( Slieve Russell )
Lisa Maguire ( Slieve Russell )
Danielle McVeigh ( Royal Co. Down Ladies )
Gillian O'Leary ( Cork )
Sinead O'Sullivan ( Galway )
Charlene Reid ( Royal Portrush )
Captain: Claire Robinson.
Ireland only needed a draw against Scotland after two very convincing wins over England 8-1 and defending champions Wales by 6-3. Scotland beat the champions Wales by 6.5 - 2.5 but struggled to beat England by 5-4 leaving Ireland at the top of the table on points going into the final.
The Maguire twins were the only winners in the foursomes beating Pamela Pretswell & Jane Turner on the final green to leave Scotland with a 2 - 1 advantage heading into the singles.
Irish champion Mary Dowling went down on the final green to Kelsey MacDonald in the top match. Danielle Mc Veigh had her 3rd singles win of the week when she beat Jane Turner on the 13th green. Lisa Maguire made it 6 wins from 6 when she defeated Rachel Watton by 1 hole. Charlene Reid was also undefeated in the singles when she beat Megan Briggs on the 17th. Sinead o Sullivan went down on the 16th to Louise Kenney to leave the sides level at 4 points each, with only one game left on the course.
Leona Maguire was up against her Curtis Cup team mate, Pamela Pretswell. After a great battle the game was square playing the 18th and looked like Ireland could get the half point required for victory, with Leona safely in with a par. Pamela had other ideas and calmly rolled in a 15 foot birdie putt to spoil the Irish party by a single point.
(1ST)SCOTLAND 3 POINTS,(2ND)IRELAND 2 POINTS,(3RD)WALES 1/2 POINT,(4TH)ENGLAND 1/2 POINT.
IRELAND TEAM
------------
Louise Coffey ( Malone )
Mary Dowling ( New Ross )
Leona Maguire ( Slieve Russell )
Lisa Maguire ( Slieve Russell )
Danielle McVeigh ( Royal Co. Down Ladies )
Gillian O'Leary ( Cork )
Sinead O'Sullivan ( Galway )
Charlene Reid ( Royal Portrush )
Captain: Claire Robinson.
(36)PAUL MADDY WINS EUROPRO EVENT AFTER EXCITING FINISH AT FIVE LAKES.
Paul Maddy ( Gog Magog ) clinched victory in one of the most exciting finishes of the season on the Europro Tour as he finished one shot ahead of 7 players in the Brooks Bros 2010 Classic at Five Lakes Golf Club in Essex.
Maddy had 68s in the first two rounds and found himself 4 shots behind the overnight leaders, Paul O Hanlon( Curragh ) and Graeme Clark( Doncaster ). While the leaders were struggling to make birdies, Maddy was creaping up the leaderboard with 5 birdies to post the clubhouse lead on 203 ( -13 ) after a closing 67.
A total of 7 players got to within a shot of Maddy, but after an hour's wait he was crowned the champion. The 7 players tied 2nd were Lloyd Saltman ( 66 ), Steven Capper( 67 ) ( Caldy GC ), Nick McCarthy( 69 )( Moortown ), Mark Coppell( 70 )( Woodcote Park ), Graeme Clark( 72 )( Doncaster GC ),Paul O’Hanlon( 72 )( Curragh )and James Hepworth( 70 )( Ilkley ).
There were 18 Irish in action with 9 making the 2 under par cut mark. Paul O Hanlon was the best of those in joint 2nd place on ( -12 ) after rounds of 66,66 and 72. Tim Rice from Limerick made a great recovery after an opening 76. He then hit an 8 under par 64 and followed up with a 67 to share 13th place on -9.
Noel Fox 68,71,70 and Barrie Trainor 72,64,73 were 19th on 7 under par. The consistant Brian Mc Elhinney 72,69,70 was 30th on 5 under par. Gareth Shaw scored 72,70 and 71 for a share of 39th place on 3 under par. Neil O Briain shared 49th on -1 after rounds of 71,71,73 and Mark Staunton 70,70,76 and Michael Collins 72,67,77 were 53rd on level par.
Michael Mc Geady 70,73 and Jonathan Mallon 74,69 missed the -2 cut mark by 1 shot. Brendan Mc Carroll and Ross Oliver missed out on level par 144. Other Irish to miss out were Cian Curley, Michael Lavelle, David Rawluk, Ger Hall and Michael Kelly.
Maddy had 68s in the first two rounds and found himself 4 shots behind the overnight leaders, Paul O Hanlon( Curragh ) and Graeme Clark( Doncaster ). While the leaders were struggling to make birdies, Maddy was creaping up the leaderboard with 5 birdies to post the clubhouse lead on 203 ( -13 ) after a closing 67.
A total of 7 players got to within a shot of Maddy, but after an hour's wait he was crowned the champion. The 7 players tied 2nd were Lloyd Saltman ( 66 ), Steven Capper( 67 ) ( Caldy GC ), Nick McCarthy( 69 )( Moortown ), Mark Coppell( 70 )( Woodcote Park ), Graeme Clark( 72 )( Doncaster GC ),Paul O’Hanlon( 72 )( Curragh )and James Hepworth( 70 )( Ilkley ).
There were 18 Irish in action with 9 making the 2 under par cut mark. Paul O Hanlon was the best of those in joint 2nd place on ( -12 ) after rounds of 66,66 and 72. Tim Rice from Limerick made a great recovery after an opening 76. He then hit an 8 under par 64 and followed up with a 67 to share 13th place on -9.
Noel Fox 68,71,70 and Barrie Trainor 72,64,73 were 19th on 7 under par. The consistant Brian Mc Elhinney 72,69,70 was 30th on 5 under par. Gareth Shaw scored 72,70 and 71 for a share of 39th place on 3 under par. Neil O Briain shared 49th on -1 after rounds of 71,71,73 and Mark Staunton 70,70,76 and Michael Collins 72,67,77 were 53rd on level par.
Michael Mc Geady 70,73 and Jonathan Mallon 74,69 missed the -2 cut mark by 1 shot. Brendan Mc Carroll and Ross Oliver missed out on level par 144. Other Irish to miss out were Cian Curley, Michael Lavelle, David Rawluk, Ger Hall and Michael Kelly.
Monday 6 September 2010
(35)BRILLIANT VICTORY FOR DES SMYTH AT WOBURN.
57 year old Des Smyth, came from three shots behind Carl Mason to win the Travis Perkins Senior Masters' Championship at Woburn Golf Club.
In winning, Des has now won in each of the last five decades. His first win came in 1979 when he beat Nick Price on the final green at Fulford, York to win the Sun Alliance matchplay title.
In 2001 aged 46, he became the oldest winner on the European Tour when he won the Madeira Masters' Open, and still holds that record.
During the final round Smyth was playing catch up against Carl Mason who was heading for the record books, looking for his 24th Seniors win. Mason had a 3 shot lead going into the back nine. The turn around came at the 14th when Mason 4 putted while Smyth birdied. With his nose now in front, Des managed to birdie the final hole for a stunning 3 shot winning margin on 10 under par and a cheque for €47,853.
Gary Wolstenholme, playing in his first Seniors event claimed a share of 3rd place with Adan Sowa from Argentina. Wolstenholme scored 68,72,70 to win his biggest cheque as a Professional of €19,181. He won £10,000 two months ago for winning a Europro event, proving his decision to turn Professional at the age of 48 was the right move.
Jimmy Heggarty was 28th on 4 over par, Denis O Sullivan was 42nd on 8 over par, Eamon Darcy was 59th on +12 and Eddie Polland was 74th on +19.
In winning, Des has now won in each of the last five decades. His first win came in 1979 when he beat Nick Price on the final green at Fulford, York to win the Sun Alliance matchplay title.
In 2001 aged 46, he became the oldest winner on the European Tour when he won the Madeira Masters' Open, and still holds that record.
During the final round Smyth was playing catch up against Carl Mason who was heading for the record books, looking for his 24th Seniors win. Mason had a 3 shot lead going into the back nine. The turn around came at the 14th when Mason 4 putted while Smyth birdied. With his nose now in front, Des managed to birdie the final hole for a stunning 3 shot winning margin on 10 under par and a cheque for €47,853.
Gary Wolstenholme, playing in his first Seniors event claimed a share of 3rd place with Adan Sowa from Argentina. Wolstenholme scored 68,72,70 to win his biggest cheque as a Professional of €19,181. He won £10,000 two months ago for winning a Europro event, proving his decision to turn Professional at the age of 48 was the right move.
Jimmy Heggarty was 28th on 4 over par, Denis O Sullivan was 42nd on 8 over par, Eamon Darcy was 59th on +12 and Eddie Polland was 74th on +19.
(34)JODY CLARKE WINS KILKEEL JUNIOR SCRATCH CUP.
Jody Clarke won his first Major prize in golf when he won the Kilkeel Junior Scratch Cup with a great score of one under par 71.
Jody got to 3 under par after 10 holes. He lost shots at the 14th, 16th and 18th but threw in a birdie at the difficult 17th for a comfortable 3 shot win from another Kilkeel member, Stanley Weir, who scored 74.
Jody got to 3 under par after 10 holes. He lost shots at the 14th, 16th and 18th but threw in a birdie at the difficult 17th for a comfortable 3 shot win from another Kilkeel member, Stanley Weir, who scored 74.
Sunday 5 September 2010
(33)46 YEAR OLD JIMENEZ WINS 3RD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS YEAR.
46 year old Spaniard, Miguel Angel Jimenez survived a late scare from Edoardo Molinari to take the Omega European Masters in Switzerland.
Jimenez was six shots clear with seven to play, but saw his lead slashed to one by Ryder Cup team-mate Edoardo Molinari four holes later. Jiménez got up and down from a fairway bunker for a critical par at the 16th and followed it up with a birdie on the next to increase his lead to three.
Jiménez, making his 22nd successive trip to Crans-sur-Sierre, finally got his hands on the trophy with a four under par 67 and 21 under total of 263 to win by 3 shots. This was his 3rd win this season after victories in Dubai and France.
The €333,330 prize lifts Jiménez into 8th place on the Race to Dubai table with earnings of €1,661,661.
There were also celebrations for 17 year old Italian Matteo Monassero. In only his 6th start as a Professional he finished 3rd on 16 under par and won a cheque for €125,200. He has now earned himself €255,383 to secure a full card for the European Tour for 2011 and in a position to take up any invites for the rest of this year.
Peter Lawrie started with a 72 but improved with scores of 69,63 and 69 for a share of 9th place on -11. Darren Clarke was steady for a share of 15th on -9 after hitting scores of 67,70,68,70.
Gareth Maybin played his first tournament for a month. He claimed a share of 30th place on 6 under par with scores of 69,71,68 and 70. Michael Hoey slipped up in the 3rd round taking 77. His other three rounds were 71,69,67 to give him a share of 54th on level par 284.
The 36 hole cut came at 1 under par 141. Paul Mc Ginley had two rounds of 72 to miss out by 3 shots, while Shane Lowry opened with a 74 and followed up with a 72 to miss out by 5 shots.
Jimenez was six shots clear with seven to play, but saw his lead slashed to one by Ryder Cup team-mate Edoardo Molinari four holes later. Jiménez got up and down from a fairway bunker for a critical par at the 16th and followed it up with a birdie on the next to increase his lead to three.
Jiménez, making his 22nd successive trip to Crans-sur-Sierre, finally got his hands on the trophy with a four under par 67 and 21 under total of 263 to win by 3 shots. This was his 3rd win this season after victories in Dubai and France.
The €333,330 prize lifts Jiménez into 8th place on the Race to Dubai table with earnings of €1,661,661.
There were also celebrations for 17 year old Italian Matteo Monassero. In only his 6th start as a Professional he finished 3rd on 16 under par and won a cheque for €125,200. He has now earned himself €255,383 to secure a full card for the European Tour for 2011 and in a position to take up any invites for the rest of this year.
Peter Lawrie started with a 72 but improved with scores of 69,63 and 69 for a share of 9th place on -11. Darren Clarke was steady for a share of 15th on -9 after hitting scores of 67,70,68,70.
Gareth Maybin played his first tournament for a month. He claimed a share of 30th place on 6 under par with scores of 69,71,68 and 70. Michael Hoey slipped up in the 3rd round taking 77. His other three rounds were 71,69,67 to give him a share of 54th on level par 284.
The 36 hole cut came at 1 under par 141. Paul Mc Ginley had two rounds of 72 to miss out by 3 shots, while Shane Lowry opened with a 74 and followed up with a 72 to miss out by 5 shots.
(32)GARRY CULLEN WINS FORREST LITTLE PRO-AM.
Garry Cullen, the head Professional at Beaverstown golf club, played superb golf around the Forrest Little golf course to win their Pro-Am with a 7 under par round of 64. Cullen had 2 shots to spare over European player Simon Thornton and former Irish PGA Champion, David Mortimer.
In the team event Mortimer got revenge over Cullen when he brought home the winning team with 94 points against Cullen's team who had 93 points.
1 Garry Cullen ( Beaverstown ) 64 -7.
2 David Mortimer ( foreireland )66 -5.
Simon Thornton ( Team Ireland Golf )66 -5.
4 Damien Mc Grane ( Unattached )68 -3
5 John Kelly ( St.Margaret's )69 -2.
Mark O'Mahony ( McGuirks Golf )69 -2.
Damian Mooney ( Unattached )69 -2.
8 Barrie Trainor ( Team Ireland Golf )70 -1.
Ted Higgins ( foreireland.com )70 -1.
Gary Murphy ( Doonbeg ) 70 -1.
John Dwyer ( Ashbourne )70 -1.
12 Robert Giles ( Greenore )71 Par.
Donal Gleeson ( Old Conna )71 Par.
David Hughes ( Massereene )71 Par.
David Higgins ( Waterville )71 Par.
Philip Walton ( foreireland.com )71 Par.
In the team event Mortimer got revenge over Cullen when he brought home the winning team with 94 points against Cullen's team who had 93 points.
1 Garry Cullen ( Beaverstown ) 64 -7.
2 David Mortimer ( foreireland )66 -5.
Simon Thornton ( Team Ireland Golf )66 -5.
4 Damien Mc Grane ( Unattached )68 -3
5 John Kelly ( St.Margaret's )69 -2.
Mark O'Mahony ( McGuirks Golf )69 -2.
Damian Mooney ( Unattached )69 -2.
8 Barrie Trainor ( Team Ireland Golf )70 -1.
Ted Higgins ( foreireland.com )70 -1.
Gary Murphy ( Doonbeg ) 70 -1.
John Dwyer ( Ashbourne )70 -1.
12 Robert Giles ( Greenore )71 Par.
Donal Gleeson ( Old Conna )71 Par.
David Hughes ( Massereene )71 Par.
David Higgins ( Waterville )71 Par.
Philip Walton ( foreireland.com )71 Par.
(31)DAMIEN MC GRANE WINS NAAS PRO-AM.
Damien Mc Grane played in the Irish PGA Naas Pro-Am during a week off from the European Tour. He showed his class by hitting a record score of 9 under par 62.
Mc Grane who is currently 48th on the Race to Dubai table with €439,258 was the clear winner by 4 shots from current Irish PGA race to Mount Juliet leader David Higgins and also Mark Staunton, Mark O Sullivan and Simon Thornton who all shot 66.
Past Irish Close amateur champion Mark O Sullivan, now an assistant at Ashbourne Golf Club, brought in the winning team with 92 points, beating Mark Staunton and Philip Walton's teams by a single point.
1 Damien Mc Grane ( Unattached ) 62 -9.
2 David Higgins ( Waterville ) 66 -5.
Mark Staunton ( foreireland.com ) 66 -5.
Mark O'Sullivan ( Ashbourne ) 66 -5.
Simon Thornton ( Team Ireland Golf )66 -5.
6 Michael Collins ( foreireland.com ) 68 -3.
Jimmy Bolger ( Kilkenny )68 -3.
Barrie Trainor ( Team Ireland Golf )68 -3.
Philip Walton ( foreireland.com )68 -3.
10Gary Murphy ( Doonbeg ) 69 -2.
David Ryan ( Cahir Park ) 69 -2.
Eddie Doyle ( Heritage )69 -2.
13Darren McWilliams ( Unattached )70 -1.
David Mortimer ( foreireland.com )70 -1.
Mc Grane who is currently 48th on the Race to Dubai table with €439,258 was the clear winner by 4 shots from current Irish PGA race to Mount Juliet leader David Higgins and also Mark Staunton, Mark O Sullivan and Simon Thornton who all shot 66.
Past Irish Close amateur champion Mark O Sullivan, now an assistant at Ashbourne Golf Club, brought in the winning team with 92 points, beating Mark Staunton and Philip Walton's teams by a single point.
1 Damien Mc Grane ( Unattached ) 62 -9.
2 David Higgins ( Waterville ) 66 -5.
Mark Staunton ( foreireland.com ) 66 -5.
Mark O'Sullivan ( Ashbourne ) 66 -5.
Simon Thornton ( Team Ireland Golf )66 -5.
6 Michael Collins ( foreireland.com ) 68 -3.
Jimmy Bolger ( Kilkenny )68 -3.
Barrie Trainor ( Team Ireland Golf )68 -3.
Philip Walton ( foreireland.com )68 -3.
10Gary Murphy ( Doonbeg ) 69 -2.
David Ryan ( Cahir Park ) 69 -2.
Eddie Doyle ( Heritage )69 -2.
13Darren McWilliams ( Unattached )70 -1.
David Mortimer ( foreireland.com )70 -1.
Friday 3 September 2010
(30)SIMON THORNTON WINS AT CONCRA WOOD.
European Tour player, Simon Thornton from Newcastle took a week off tour and won the 6th and final one day Irish PGA Sprint tournament at the magnificent Concra Wood Golf Club in Castleblaney, Monaghan.
Playing in the last group, Thornton got the perfect start with birdies at the first three holes. He got to 5 under after 15 holes before he made his first mistake. A dropped shot at the 16th was followed up with a birdie at the 17th, only for Thornton to make another bogey at the last.
His 68 which is the new course record was good enough to beat the in form Michael Collins from Cork by one shot. After recent wins at Adare Manor and Greenore, Collins was looking good for the hat trick as he was clubhouse leader on 69 until Thornton came through in the final group to pip him by one shot.
CONCRA WOOD ONE DAY IRISH PGA SPRINT.
1 Simon Thornton ( Team Ireland Golf ) 68 -4.
2 Michael Collins ( foreireland.com ) 69 -3.
3 John Kelly ( St.Margaret's ) 70 -2.
Brian McElhinney ( Team Ireland ) 70 -2.
Connor Mallon ( Narin & Portnoo ) 70 -2.
Michael Mulryan ( Athenry ) 70 -2.
Kevin McGrath ( Birr ) 70 -2.
8 Peter Jones ( Coollattin ) 71 -1.
9 David Higgins ( Waterville ) 72 Par.
Liam Bowler ( Wexford ) 72 Par.
Kenny Fahey ( GUI National Academy )72 Par.
Barrie Trainor ( Team Ireland Golf )72 Par.
John Dignam ( Slade Valley ) 72 Par.
Patrick Geraghty ( Unattached )72 Par.
15 Leslie Walker ( Dundalk )73 +1.
Seamus Clinton ( Portsalon )73 +1.
Michael Allan ( Leopardstown )73 +1.
Brendan McDermott ( Castlecomer )73 +1.
David Mortimer ( foreireland.com )73 +1.
Jimmy Bolger ( Kilkenny )73 +1.
Mark Staunton ( foreireland.com )73 +1.
Playing in the last group, Thornton got the perfect start with birdies at the first three holes. He got to 5 under after 15 holes before he made his first mistake. A dropped shot at the 16th was followed up with a birdie at the 17th, only for Thornton to make another bogey at the last.
His 68 which is the new course record was good enough to beat the in form Michael Collins from Cork by one shot. After recent wins at Adare Manor and Greenore, Collins was looking good for the hat trick as he was clubhouse leader on 69 until Thornton came through in the final group to pip him by one shot.
CONCRA WOOD ONE DAY IRISH PGA SPRINT.
1 Simon Thornton ( Team Ireland Golf ) 68 -4.
2 Michael Collins ( foreireland.com ) 69 -3.
3 John Kelly ( St.Margaret's ) 70 -2.
Brian McElhinney ( Team Ireland ) 70 -2.
Connor Mallon ( Narin & Portnoo ) 70 -2.
Michael Mulryan ( Athenry ) 70 -2.
Kevin McGrath ( Birr ) 70 -2.
8 Peter Jones ( Coollattin ) 71 -1.
9 David Higgins ( Waterville ) 72 Par.
Liam Bowler ( Wexford ) 72 Par.
Kenny Fahey ( GUI National Academy )72 Par.
Barrie Trainor ( Team Ireland Golf )72 Par.
John Dignam ( Slade Valley ) 72 Par.
Patrick Geraghty ( Unattached )72 Par.
15 Leslie Walker ( Dundalk )73 +1.
Seamus Clinton ( Portsalon )73 +1.
Michael Allan ( Leopardstown )73 +1.
Brendan McDermott ( Castlecomer )73 +1.
David Mortimer ( foreireland.com )73 +1.
Jimmy Bolger ( Kilkenny )73 +1.
Mark Staunton ( foreireland.com )73 +1.
(29)EAMON DARCY WINS SOUTHERN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP.
Former Ryder Cup star, Eamonn Darcy turned back the clock to win the PGA Southern Championship at Powerscourt with a sizzling performance that left the rest of the Professionals well behind.
It is 10 years since Darcy won the Southern Championship, but he made his intentions clear that he meant business this year with an opening 6 under par 66 around the East course at Powerscourt. He followed up with a 3 under par 69 on the West course the following day for a 36 hole total of 9 under par 135.
Darcy's 9 under total gave him a three shot lead at the top of the leaderboard over David Higgins. Higgins stormed back with a second round of 66 to grab 2nd place on 6 under par after opening with a level par round of 72. This finish increases Higgins' lead at the top of the race to Mount Juliet rankings.
Darren Mc Williams played steady golf, hitting rounds of 72,70 to clinch 3rd place on his own on 2 under par 142. The only other players to finish under par were Garry Cullen, Michael Collins and Patrick Geraghty to share 4th place.
1 Eamonn Darcy ( Le Salle ) 66 69 135 -9.
2 David Higgins ( Waterville )72 66 138 -6.
3 Darren McWilliams ( Unattached ) 72 70 142 -2.
4 Garry Cullen ( Beaverstown ) 74 69 143 -1.
Michael Collins ( foreireland.com ) 71 72 143 -1.
Patrick Geraghty ( Unattached ) 70 73 143 -1.
7 Mark Staunton ( foreireland.com ) 76 68 144 Par.
Mervyn Owens ( Mallow ) 72 72 144 Par.
Paul Thompson ( Powerscourt ) 71 73 144 Par.
David Mortimer ( foreireland.com ) 70 74 144 Par.
11Martin McTernan ( Co. Sligo )74 71 145 +1.
Barrie Trainor ( Team Ireland ) 73 72 145 +1.
Cian McNamara ( Limerick ) 73 72 145 +1.
Neil Manchip ( GUI National Academy ) 68 77 145 +1.
15Eamonn Brady ( Clontarf ) 73 73 146 +2.
John Dignam ( Slade Valley ) 73 73 146 +2.
17David Ryan ( Cahir Park ) 77 70 147 +3.
Brian McElhinney ( Team Ireland ) 78 69 147 +3.
Gerry Burke ( Curragh ) 75 72 147 +3.
Peter Jones ( Coollattin ) 74 73 147 +3.
21Philip Walton ( foreireland.com ) 72 76 148 +4.
Graeme Dunlea ( Adare Manor ) 72 76 148 +4.
It is 10 years since Darcy won the Southern Championship, but he made his intentions clear that he meant business this year with an opening 6 under par 66 around the East course at Powerscourt. He followed up with a 3 under par 69 on the West course the following day for a 36 hole total of 9 under par 135.
Darcy's 9 under total gave him a three shot lead at the top of the leaderboard over David Higgins. Higgins stormed back with a second round of 66 to grab 2nd place on 6 under par after opening with a level par round of 72. This finish increases Higgins' lead at the top of the race to Mount Juliet rankings.
Darren Mc Williams played steady golf, hitting rounds of 72,70 to clinch 3rd place on his own on 2 under par 142. The only other players to finish under par were Garry Cullen, Michael Collins and Patrick Geraghty to share 4th place.
1 Eamonn Darcy ( Le Salle ) 66 69 135 -9.
2 David Higgins ( Waterville )72 66 138 -6.
3 Darren McWilliams ( Unattached ) 72 70 142 -2.
4 Garry Cullen ( Beaverstown ) 74 69 143 -1.
Michael Collins ( foreireland.com ) 71 72 143 -1.
Patrick Geraghty ( Unattached ) 70 73 143 -1.
7 Mark Staunton ( foreireland.com ) 76 68 144 Par.
Mervyn Owens ( Mallow ) 72 72 144 Par.
Paul Thompson ( Powerscourt ) 71 73 144 Par.
David Mortimer ( foreireland.com ) 70 74 144 Par.
11Martin McTernan ( Co. Sligo )74 71 145 +1.
Barrie Trainor ( Team Ireland ) 73 72 145 +1.
Cian McNamara ( Limerick ) 73 72 145 +1.
Neil Manchip ( GUI National Academy ) 68 77 145 +1.
15Eamonn Brady ( Clontarf ) 73 73 146 +2.
John Dignam ( Slade Valley ) 73 73 146 +2.
17David Ryan ( Cahir Park ) 77 70 147 +3.
Brian McElhinney ( Team Ireland ) 78 69 147 +3.
Gerry Burke ( Curragh ) 75 72 147 +3.
Peter Jones ( Coollattin ) 74 73 147 +3.
21Philip Walton ( foreireland.com ) 72 76 148 +4.
Graeme Dunlea ( Adare Manor ) 72 76 148 +4.
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