Cork's Tom Cleary won the Munster Seniors Amateur Open after a thrilling seven-hole playoff at Thurles.

According to Niall O’Shea of Cork Golf News 

Although he won the title in 2009, Cleary suffered a play-off defeat last year as Arthur Pierse won when the championship was held in Cleary’s home course of Cork GC. 

At the end of the 36 holes, three golfers were tied on six-over par.  Cleary was joined by Bandon’s Donie O’Donovan and Elm Park’s Brian Whitaker.  Had a countback rule been in operation, O’Donovan would have lifted the trophy after shooting a level par 72.

The rules however called for a three hole play-off which still couldn’t settle the competition.  It took a total of seven holes before Cleary broke free and captured the title.

Defending champion Pierse finished tied fourth, two shots off the leaders.  Doneraile’s Michael Quirke was sixth, one further shot behind and Bandon’s John Carroll was tied for 11th place.  

Munster Seniors Amateur Open Championship at Thurles Golf Club

13 & 14 May — Sponsored by Clarion Hotel Limerick

Results after round 2 — Round 1 CSS 75 Round 2 CSS 75

• WINNER Tom Cleary (Cork) 150
• RUNNER UP Donal O’Donovan (Bandon) 150
• THIRD Brian Whitaker (Elm Park) 150
• FOURTH John Mitchell (Tramore) 152
• FIFTH Arthur Pierse (Tipperary) 152
• SIXTH Michael Quirke (Doneraile) 153
• 1ST Nett A Patrick Johnson (Carrick-On-Suir) 139
• 2nd Nett A Michael D’arcy (Oughterard) 142
• 1st Nett B Mervyn Eager (Lucan) 143
• 2nd Nett B Jerry Gore (Oughterard) 148
• 1st Nett C John Cuffe (Monkstown) 148
• 2nd Nett C John Carroll (Bandon)  149

Munster Seniors Amateur Open C'ship