Maiden win for McGeady

Big Mick McGeady snatched his first pro win with a play-off victory in the Challenge Tour's SWALEC Wales Challenge.

Now the Derry ace, 30, wants to push on and grab his European Tour card and join Padraig Harrington in the big leagues next season.

Never a winner as an amateur, McGeady closed with a 68 at the Vale Hotel Golf and Spa Resort in Cardiff to finish on four under par.

Overnight leader Joel Sjoholm of Sweden matched him thanks to a birdie at the 17th but it was the Irish ace who triumphed thanks to a par at the second tie hole.

The winner’s cheque for €22,400 catapulted McGready 125 places up the Challenge Tour Rankings to 34th place and with the top 20 progressing to the main tour, he's ready to push on in this week's Challenge of Ireland at Glasson.

McGeady said: “This win’s massive for me – I’m absolutely delighted. Those four birdies in five holes on the back nine really got my round going, and from there on in I just tried to play steady golf because I knew four under would have a chance – and so it proved.

“It’s a big relief for me, because my category didn’t guarantee me entry into every event. But now I’m fully exempt for the rest of the year, which means I can pick and choose the tournaments I play in. So it’s really set up my season.

“I’m going to relax at home for a couple of days, before getting ready for the Challenge of Ireland next week. My Mum and Dad and fiancée will be there, so I’ll have some home support – and a bit of pressure! But I’m really looking forward to playing there, and I’m so excited about the rest of the season now.”

Ulsterman Gareth Maybin finished a shot outside the play-off in a share of second place on three under after a 69.