PGA Irish RegionPaul KellyAugust 22, 2019Damien McGrane, Michael McGeady, Richard Kilpatrick, Nicky Grant, Irish PGA, Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club Pro-Am

McGrane eyes Senior Tour after second Irish PGA win

PGA Irish RegionPaul KellyAugust 22, 2019Damien McGrane, Michael McGeady, Richard Kilpatrick, Nicky Grant, Irish PGA, Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club Pro-Am

Damien McGrane won the 109th Irish PGA Championship at Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club

Damien McGrane held off a final round charge by Michael McGeady to claim a one-shot victory in the 109th Irish PGA Championship at Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club.

As Evolve Golf Coaching’s McGeady posted a best-of-the-week round of eight-under 64, Carlow Golf Club professional McGrane cruised round in level par 72 to win on seven-under par.

McGrane, the 2016 Irish PGA Champion, started the day with a four-shot advantage and showed all his experience, crafting a round that featured one birdie, one bogey and 16 pars.

“I've realised that some of my colleagues might never win this trophy so when you do win, you need to be mindful and respectful of that fact,” said the 48-year-old.

“I'm glad to win it for a second time. It's a stepping stone. I'm nearly 50 - a year and a half - and I'm hoping I will be in good shape to be able to compete on the Seniors Tour.”

This success was built on a brilliant second round 67 (-5) from Damien that included a closing run of five birdies in a row.

He added: “I know which holes you need to respect around here. I know 15, 16 and 18 are pivotal. I gave those huge respect this week and in general, they were very good to me. That's why I won. I felt that at any moment I could reel off three or four birdies just like I did yesterday.

“I just had to hole one or two putts and it would all happen very fast but today I didn't hole anything. It is very pleasing to play decent and obviously win the trophy and it was nice to do it with so many of my club members around.”

Second-placed McGeady was left to rue a poor opening round 77 (+5) that left him playing catch-up.

“Day one cost me here. I just got into a run of bogeys on the back nine,” said Michael who is chasing a hat-trick of wins at the City of Derry Pro-Am this weekend.

“If you are going to win Championships you can't be doing that. In fairness, it's been good apart from that and it's nice to find a bit of form going into my home event.”

Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) closed with a 66 to claim third place on five under par while Nicky Grant (Knock) secured fourth on three-under.

109th Irish PGA Championship, Bunclody Golf & Fishing Resort (Par 72),

Cut

157 D Kiely (Faithlegg) 76 81, S Cannon (Athenry) 79 78, A Gorman (Killeen Castle) 82 75, K McDermott (Hermitage) 80 77, C Hegarty (Millicent) 74 83;

158 J Walsh (Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort) 79 79, G Byrne (Palmerstown House Estate) 81 77, M Beckett (Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort) 78 80, A Mulhall (Ardglass) 80 78;

159 P Devine (Sutton) 75 84, D Walsh (Wexford) 80 79, E Doyle (The Eddie Doyle Golf Academy) 77 82, K Goodwin (Beaverstown) 80 79, H Coyne (Carton House) 81 78;

160 B Cohen (Wexford) 83 77, C Stewart (Craig Stewart Golf) 80 80;

161 R Ryan (Thurles) 83 78, P Jones (Coollattin) 77 84, L Whelan (Craddockstown) 80 81, A Hanlon (Stackstown) 78 83;

162 R Leech (Dunloe) 80 82, B Sweeney (Naas) 76 86;

163 M Dunmore (Bundoran) 82 81, G Young (Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort) 79 84;

164 M Burke (Concra Wood) 79 85;

165 D Murphy (Grange Castle) 80 85;

166 J Casey (Tralee) 83 83;

170 D Hayes (Dungarvan) 86 84, P McLaughlin (Unatt.) 88 82;

172 R Higgins (Balbriggan) 91 81;

173 M Collins (Charleville) 87 86, M Looby (Greystones) 85 88;

RTD J Dreelan (Rosslare), L Campbell (Co Armagh), C Doherty (Unatt). S McCabe (Killeen);

NR M O'Boyle (Heath), J Quinlivan (Mullingar), G Sweeney (Elmgreen Golf Centre).

Paul Kelly

109th Irish PGA Championship, Bunclody Golf & Fishing Resort (Par 72),

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