Focussed Casey too hot to handle at Killeen Castle

Killeen Castle

Headfort's Brian Casey made two eagles in a two-under 70 to win the gross in the latest Nicklaus Series outing at Killeen Castle.

The Europro Tour regular and former Mullingar Scratch Trophy winner, defied windy conditions at the Co Meath parkland, picking up eagles at the par0five second and fifth to move swiftly to four-under.

Even though he misjudged his tee shot into the wind at the 189-yard, par-three eighth and ran up a double bogey, he quickly bounced back with a birdie on the tough nine before following bogeys at the 11th and 14th with another birdie on 15 to win the gross by two strokes from former Irish PGA champion Tim Rice from Limerick.

"Two eagles and two birdies gave me some breathing room on the tough holes into the wind where I felt I had to just hang on," said Casey, who is looking forward to the last outing of the year on December 28. "Playing alongside Tim today helped me keep focused in an almost matchplay scenario.

"I felt I didn't get enough out of my round but I'll be back on the 28th to see if I can do better. The key was keeping the ball in play and giving myself chances as I knew with how difficult the greens are I wouldn't hole too many putts outside 20 feet.

"It was an enjoyable day all round - the practice facilities before the round are top class and a great way to get you ready for a tough test around on a well-maintained championship course''

Naas based professional Conor O'Rourke made four birdies in a one-under 71 to win the nett from Killeen Castle seven handicapper Andrew Mooney, who had 21 points in a blistering back nine to win second prize on a countback with 34 points.

There was also joy for Castlebar five-handicapper Shane Quigley, who aced the par-three eighth.

The Nicklaus Series is a singles stableford open to professionals and amateurs with a single figure handicap.

Nicklaus Series, Killeen Castle, December 7

Gross: 1, Brian Casey (Pro) Headfort 70 (39 pts); 2, Tim Rice (Pro) Limerick 72 (36 pts).

Nett: 1, Conor O'Rourke (Pro) Naas 71 (37 pts); 2, Andrew Mooney (7) Killeen Castle 80 (34 pts).

Next event: Friday, December 28.