O'Briain grabs opening win of the season at Lough Erne Resort
Neil O'Briain (left) with fellow PGA professionals Peter Morgan, Noel Murray and Donal Gleeson
Neil O'Briain shook off an early mistake to win the Flogas Pro-Am at Lough Erne Resort.
The Old Conna man beat Brian McElhinney by two shots with Simon Thornton, Daniel Beattie and Damien Mooney a shot further back in a tie for third.
“I had never been to Lough Erne before and I have to say it was absolutely stunning today,” said Neil who narrowly missed out on making the cut at the recent Irish Open at the K Club.
“After that dropped shot at the first I hit some good shots and gave myself plenty of chances and thankfully three under was good enough to win.
“It's still pretty early in the season but I've started consistently so it's good to get a win on the board after a couple of near misses recently.
“I've been doing some good work on my short game with coach, Chris Jelly, and I'm happy with how things are progressing. Hopefully this win will open the flood gates.”
With a shot gun start in operation the 29-year-old began his round on the par five ninth and immediately dropped a shot following a three-putt.
He hit back with a birdie at the 10th and followed up with a second birdie of the day on the short par four 17th to get under par for the event.
After turning for home he played his remaining eight holes in two under, courtesy of birdies at the fourth and fifth.
Simon Thornton led his amateur partners to success in the team event, firing a combined 92 points.
Flogas Pro-Am, Lough Erne Resort (Par 72)
- 1 Neil O'Briain 69
- 2 Brian McElhinney 71
- T3 Simon Thornton 72, Daniel Beattie, Damian Mooney 72
- T6 Liam Bowler, Damien McGrane 73
- T8 Joe Dillon, Mark O'Sullivan, James Quinlivan 74
