Lernihan claims first professional victory after play-off
Dara Lernihan during last year's PGA Challenge. Picture: Thos Caffrey / www.golffile.ie
Dara Lernihan edged out Neil O'Briain after a three-hole play-off to win the Johnston Mooney & O'Brien PGA Challenge at Carton House and his first title as a professional at the remodelled O'Meara Course.
“Other than the triple-bogey I played pretty well all day. Didn't hole many putts but I sometimes find it hard to hole putts when it's windy,” said Lernihan.
Lernihan (Elm Park) opened his campaign with a flawless six under par round of 67 but found the blustery conditions tougher to handle yesterday, eventually signing for a two over 75 that included a triple-bogey at the 11th.
O'Briain (Old Conna), who started the second round three shots back, carded a composed one under 72 to set the clubhouse lead at four under par, which Lernihan matched with a four foot putt at the 18th.
“I wasn't too happy when I saw Neil coming out onto the practice range to warm up when I was standing over the putt at the 18th, because I thought I had it won,” added Dara.
The opening hole of the play-off was halved in bogeys, the second halved in pars before Lernihan finally triumphed when O'Briain failed to convert a par putt from seven feet.
“I was leading last year after the first round so it was nice to finally get the win this time around,” added Dara.
“I stuck to my plan today. Even though it was windy I continued to hit three-wood off the tee and just tried to keep the ball in play.”
Johnston Mooney & O'Brien PGA Challenge
At Carton House
Leading scores
T1 Dara Lernihan (Elm Park GC) 67/75 - 142 (Won after 3-hole playoff)
T1 Neil O'Briain (Old Conna GC) 70/72 - 142
T3 Robert Giles (Greenore GC) 74/72 - 146
T3 Colm Moriarty (Glasson Hotel & GC) 70/76 - 146
5 Noel Murray (Massereene GC) 74/73 - 147
T6 Barrie Trainor (Cairndhu GC) 75/73 - 148
T6 Michael McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown) 69/79 - 148
T8 Mark Staunton (Delgany GC) 74/75 - 149
T8 David Reilly (Westmanstown GC) 73/76 - 149
T10 Damian Mooney (Ballyliffin GC) 80/70 -150
T10 Peter O'Hagan (Luttrellstown Castle GC) 76/74 - 150
T10 Jimmy Bolger (Kilkenny GC) 76/74 - 150
T10 Hazel Kavanagh (Carr Golf Services) 75/75 -150
