Tramore intervarsity tests give hints on form - Neil McKinstry and Jessica Ross win Series
ROBIN DAWSON. PICTURE BY PAT CASHMAN
Neil McKinstry shot a superb one-under 71 at Tramore to clinch the Intervarsity Series title for 2014-2015, narrowly depriving reigning Intervarsity champion Alex Gleeson of UCD at the final hurdle.
If next week's West of Ireland Championship signifies the start of the golfing high season, then the outcome at Tramore might give some indications of things to come.
The Old Course at Tramore was in immaculate condition, with play from the Championship tees, a challenging, swirling breeze, and superbly-conditioned greens giving the players the best approximation of championship conditions imagineable.
Robin Dawson may not be playing in the West of Ireland, but he will be looking to earn a place on the European Pamler Cup team on Monday week at St Andrews in The R&A Scholars Tournament.
A place on the Palmer Cup team would see him follow in the footsteps of fellow Waterford men Kevin Phelan and Gary Hurley, both of whom played for Europe in 2013, and there's no doubt that his finish at Tramore showed plenty of signs that he is capable of doing just that.
Dawson fired five birdies in his last seven holes to turn what looked like a nightmare morning into something altogether different. Seven over after 11, the international player ignited the closing holes to leave himself in good fettle heading to St Andrews, with birdies coming at the 12th, 13th, 15th, 17th and 18th.
Also on two over was Alastair McQuillan (Ulster), although the Cushendall member was much more conventional in the way he assembled his score, shooting nines of 35 and 39.
Joining Dawson and McQuillan on two over were Jonathan Yates of UCD, who carded two nines of 37.
Maynooth pair Stephen Kinch and Alan Lowry finished a shot further back in the stableford format.
Meanwhile, Queens University's Jessica Ross held off Shannen Brown's challenge in the Ladies Intervarsity Series, shooting a final score of 30 points which was good enough for victory on the day on a countback from her nearest rival.
Maynooth University's Shannon Burke finished third overall, and third on the day.