Higgins denies McDermott PGA Irish Club Professional title in sudden-death
David Higgins (right) receives the PGA Irish Club Professional trophy at Dunmurry Springs
Waterville's David Higgins added some more silverware and another €800 to his career winnings when he beat Pure Golf Leopardstown's Michael McDermott at the second extra hole to win the PGA Irish Club Professional Tournament at a windy Dunmurry Springs.
Higgins trailed overnight leader Noel Murray by six shots after a two over 73 on day one. But the Massereene professional slipped to a 78 to finish third with Old Conna's Neil O Briain on three over.
Higgins' best of the day 70 in windy conditions was good enough to tie for top spot with McDermott, who added a 71 to his opening 72, on one over par.
In the playoff, McDermott had a 15 footer for birdie at the first as Higgins went though the back and chipped to eight feet.
The Dubliner had a putt for the title but missed and the Waterville professional saved par to send them to a second extra hole — the 13th
With McDermott 110 yards from the green after a great drive, Higgins found the right rough but bit a super five iron approach from around 160 yards over water to hand side rough, left with 160 over water to 30 ft.
McDermott's wedge looked good in the air but it was knocked down by the wind and came up two yards short in the water.
His chance all but gone, McDermott's fourth went to the back of the green and Higgins lagged his putt close to clinch victory.
Irish Club Professional Championship, Dunmurry Springs (Par 71)
1 D. Higgins (Waterville Golf Links) 73/70 (143) €800
2 M. McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown) 72/71 (143) €680
T3 N. O'Briain (Old Conna GC) 71/74; N Murray (Massereene GC) 67/78 (145) €590 each
T5 R. Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) 73/74; D Ryan (Cahir Park GC) 72/75; C Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance Ltd) 72/75 (147) €410.67 each
8 E Brady (Clontarf GC) 70/78 (148) €300 each
9 D Mooney (Nevada Bobs Belfast) 73/76 (149) €280 each
T10 H Kavanagh (Carr Golf Centre at Spawell) 75/75; D McGrane 73/77; J Bolger (Kilkenny GC) 73/77 (150). €240
