McClean romps to nine-stroke win in Rosapenna Senior Scratch Cup

Malone’s Matthew McClean receives the Rosapenna Senior Scratch Cup from sponsor Noel McGinley of McGinley Motors, Letterkenny. 

Malone’s Matthew McClean cruised to an impressive nine-stroke win in the 15th edition of the McGinley Motors sponsored Rosapenna Senior Scratch Cup.

He opened with a six-under 66 on the Sandy Hills links, then followed that up with a three-under 68 on the Old Tom Morris layout to win on nine-under par 134 in perfect conditions at the stunning Co Donegal resort.

The day was calm but overcast and McClean was in a class of his own, leaving Eugene Smith, who now plays out of The Links at Portmarnock, to settle for second on level par after rounds of 73 and 70.

Smith edged out Letterkenny’s Ryan Griffin (70-73) for the runner-up spot with Kirkistown Castle’s Neil Simpson and Co Sligo’s Ruairi O'Connor rounding out the top five.

2019 Rosapenna Senior Scratch Cup in association with  McGinley Motors, Letterkenny

Round 1 - Sandy Hills Links; Round 2 - Old Tom Morris Links 

1, Matthew McClean (Malone) 66 68 134 (-9)

2, Eugene Smith (Portmarnock Links) 73 70 143 (level)

3, Ryan Griffin (Letterkenny) 70 73 143 (level)

4, Neil Simpson (Kirkistown Castle) 74 73 147 (4 over)

5, Ruairi O'Connor (Co Sligo) 75 73 148 (5 over)

1st Nett, James McCormack (Grange) 142 nett

2nd Nett, Marty McDermott (Rosapenna) 143 nett

2nd Round Gross, James McLaughlin (Portumna) 70 gross