Damien McGrane took advantage of the chance to keep his game sharp by winning the gross in the weekly Tuesday Winter Series outing at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links.

Despite indicating in the run up to the Portugal Masters that he was not going to continue as a full time player, the 2008 Volvo China Open winner is expected to tee it up in the Final Stage of Q-School at PGA Catalunya Resort in Catalonia later this month.

A winning, four under 67 was just what the 44-year old Kells man needed to give his confidence a boost having lost his full playing privileges this year for the first time since winning his European Tour card in 2003.

Carton House's Declan O'Neill (68) and Edenderry Golf Academy's Brian McCormack (70) took the other gross prizes while the nett went to Newlands and Maynooth University's Jake Whelan with a superb 66.

That was one better than home player Eamonn Keane, who had a 67 off six while The Island's Jonathan Quinn, playing off four, claimed third spot with a 69.

Tuesday Winter Series, Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links (Par 71)

Nett

1. Jake Whelan (scr) Newlands  66
2. Eamonn Keane (6) The Links Portmarnock 67
3. Jonathan Quinn (4) The Island 69

Gross

1. Damien McGrane (Unattached) 67
2. Declan O’Neill (Carton House) 68
3. Brian McCormack (Edenderry Golf Academy) 70