Ciaran Molloy claims inaugural Pat Ruddy Cup
Pat Ruddy presents the trophy to Ciarán Molloy
Ciaran Molloy got his season off the ground with victory at the inaugural Pat Ruddy Cup for Young Professionals at The European Club.
The Blackwood assistant finished the day with 35 points, edging out Limerick's Tim Rice, who had 34 points, and Lucan's Steven Quinlan, who scored 33 points.
“I'm delighted to start with a win and get a few euros in the bank. It's been a long winter and I didn't compete in many Alliance events so I was pleased with how I played today,” said the 32-year-old.
“It's amazing what holing a few putts from six and seven feet can do for the confidence. I suffered with a bit of chipping and putting anxiety last year and maybe the winter break has done some good in that regard.”
Molloy got off to a steady start with pars at the first and second before grabbing a birdie at the par five third. He dropped shots at the fourth, seventh and eighth but holed a 12 footer for par at the ninth. His continued to play some steady golf on the back nine, grabbing birdies at the par five 13th and the par four 16th.
“The European club can be very difficult but it was set up fairly and I have to say it was in immaculate condition,” added Ciaran.
“It was great to meet Pat Ruddy as well. He's a real master of his trade and his decision to host an event specifically for trainees was greatly appreciated by everyone.”
The Ruddy Cup for Young Professionals, The European Club
- Ciaran Molloy (Blackwood GC) 35 pts
- Tim Rice (Limerick GC) 34 pts
- Steven Quinlan (Lucan GC) 33 pts
- Neil O'Briain (Old Conna GC); Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) 32 pts
Others
- T6 Dara Lernihan Elm Park Golf Club 31
- T6 Joe Dillon Headfort Golf Club 31
- T6 Noel Murray Massereene Golf Club 31
- T9 Andy Hogan Edmondstown Golf Club 30
- T9 David Barry Douglas Golf Club 30
- T11 Mark Murphy McGuirks Golf 29
- T11 Ian Brennan Greenore Golf Club 29
- 13 Iarlaith Keane Balcarrick Golf Club 28
- T14 Joseph Campbell Warrenpoint Golf Club 27
- T14 Kelan McDonagh Tullamore Golf Club 27
- T14 Matthew Weir Spa Golf Club 27
- T17 Michael Kelly Dun Laoghaire Golf Club 26
- T17 Brendan Walton Island Golf Club 26
- T17 Brian O'Reilly Glenlo Abbey Golf Club 26
- T20 Harry Coyne Carton House Golf Course 25
- T20 Josh Adams Woodbrook Golf Club 25
- T20 Adam Cathers Ardglass Golf Club 25
- T23 Brian Doheny Mount Juliet Golf Club 24
- T23 Sean O'Donoghue Carlow Golf Club 24
- T25 Barry Davis Greystones Golf Club 23
- T25 Mark Sutton Hollywood Lakes Golf Club 23
- T25 Graham Sweeney Balbriggan Golf Club 23
- T25 Brian Sweeney Naas Golf Club 23
- T25 Shane McCabe Killeen Golf Club 23
- T25 Brian McCormack Edenderry Golf Academy 23
- T25 Jamie Dreelan 23
- T32 Niall McGlynn Old Conna Golf Club 22
- T32 Mark Peat Bray Golf Club 22
- T32 Ben Doyle Blackwood Golf Centre 22
- 35 Michael Alexander Royal Portrush Golf Club 21
- 36 Alan Staunton Hollywood Lakes Golf Club 20
- 37 Bernard Fitzgerald Lisheen Springs Golf Club 19
- 38 Corey Doherty Athlone Golf Club 18
- 39 Ciaran Hegarty Grange Castle Golf Club 17
- T40 Shane Ryan Galway Golf Club 15
- T40 Partrick Orr Kirkistown Castle Golf Club 15
- WD Cian Curley Royal Tara Golf Club
