McGrane claims Ruby Walsh Crumlin Hospital Research Pro-Am
Athy Golf Club
Damien McGrane grabbed his second victory in a week by claiming the Ruby Walsh Crumlin Hospital Research Pro-Am.
The 45-year-old was forced to share first place with Denis O'Sullivan at the Cork Pro-Am on Monday but no-one could match him at Athy on Friday as his course record, six under 66 gave him a five-shot win over Edmondstown's Andy Hogan and Fernhill Golf and Country Club's Wayne O'Callaghan.
Damien laid the platform for his success over the front nine which he covered in five under par 32. He birdied the second and fourth, eagled the par five fifth and followed up with another birdie at the eighth. His back nine was less spectacular with bogeys at the 13th and 16th offset by three more birdies at the 12th, 17th and 18th.
“I'm hitting it long and straight at the minute which is giving me the chance to get up on the par fives and even get close to some of the par fours off the tee,” said Damien.
“Putting the ball into good positions is giving me the opportunities to attack the pins and when a few of the putts drop, then the scoring is low.”
Damien also came out on top in the team event, guiding his amateur partners - Eamon Wynne, Eric Conway and Harry Keano – to victory with 89 pts.
The Ruby Walsh Crumlin Hospital Research Pro-Am, Athy Golf Club (Par 72) sponsored by Simply Workflow Crane & Crane Insurance
66 D McGrane
71 A Hogan (Edmondstown GC), W O'Callaghan (Fernhill Golf & CC)
72 C McNamara (Monkstown Golf Club), D Ryan (Cahir Park GC)
73 L Bowler (Wexford GC)
74 B McGovern (Headfort GC), J Dillon (Headfort GC), T Delaney (The Eddie Doyle Golf Academy)
