Irish Golf Desk

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Grehan and O'Donovan tops in Winter Series

Stuart Grehan during this year's Irish Challenge at Mount Wolseley. Picture: Jimmy Penrose

Links legend Des Smyth shot a two-over 73 but it was Tullamore's Stuart Grehan who claimed the top nett prize with a two-under 69 in the TaylorMade Winter Series at Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links.

The former Irish international, who turned professional recently, had a shot to spare over Grange four-handicapper Graham McDonnell with Royal Tara's Sean Whelan third in perfect links conditions.

"We had lovely blue skies and a nice breeze to keep it tricky," said Portmarnock Links' Niall Carbery.  

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"While other golf courses are now playing winter rules, we play the ball as it lies here and it is nice a dry under foot."
 
No fewer than 82 players teed it up, including 13 "plus" handicappers.

Dun Laoghaire's Richard O'Donovan shot an even-par 71 and edged out Castle's Ross McKeever for the gross thanks to his homeward nine of 35 with Castleknock's Paul Coughlan third with a 72.

But Grehan and former Ryder Cup player Smyth weren't the only professionals to tee it up.

Kevin Le Blanc shot a 73 with a double bogey at the 18th costing him a prize while reigning Irish Professional champion Tim Rice shot a four-over-par 75.

TaylorMade Winter Series at Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links (Par 71, SSS 75, CSS 75)

Tuesday 7 November

Nett

  1. Stuart Grehan (pro) Unattached 69
  2. Graham McDonnell (4) Grange 70
  3. Sean Whelan (4) Royal Tara

Gross

  1. Richard O'Donovan (Dun Laoghaire) 71 B9:35
  2. Ross McKeever (The Castle) 71
  3. Paul Coughlan (Castleknock) 72.