Galway’s Joe Lyons shot a four-under 67 to win the gross as former Irish Amateur Open champion Gary Cullen edged out ex-European Tour player Gary Murphy for the nett in the TaylorMade Winter Series at Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links.

With only a gentle breeze to trouble the 71-strong field under a bright blue sky, the big Beaverstown man beat Murphy on a countback thanks to a stunning homeward run of 31 to the Kilkenny man’s 34.

Cullen bogeyed the first but holed his second shot for an eagle at the second and followed a one-over-par outward half with a four-under-par back nine featuring four birdies and no bogeys.

Murphy showed fledgeling professional Stuart Grehan and former Ryder Cup star Des Smyth that he can still play a bit as he also carded a three-under-par 68 — the first bogey-free round this year —  and then gave all the credit to the new TP5 ball.

Elm Park’s Chris Cosgrove shot a 70 off four to take the third nett prize.

He was three-over-par after four holes but recovered well, coming home in level par as plus two handicapper Cathal Butler just missed out on a prize despite carding a one-over 72.

Galway stalwart Lyons had the best score of the day, a four-under 67, to claim the gross by two strokes from Bangor’s Patrick Small.

The Offaly man made six birdies — at the fourth, sixth,13th, 14th, 16th and 18th — with his bogeys arriving at the fifth and 15th holes.

Kevin Le Blanc made four birdies and three bogeys in a one-under 70 to take third place. 

Other scores included 72s for Grehan and Damien McGrane and a 73 for Smyth.

Based on the continued success of the TaylorMade Winter Series, TaylorMade and Portmarnock Links have decided to increase the weekly prize fund.

TaylorMade Winter Series, Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links (Par 71, SSS 75, CSS 75)

Tuesday, 14 November

Nett

1. Gary Cullen (pro) Beaverstown 68 (B9:31)
2. Gary Murphy (Pro) Roganstown 68 (B9:34)
3. Chris Cosgrave (4) Elm Park 70

Gross

1. Joe Lyons (Galway) 67
2. Patrick Small (Bangor) 69
3. Kevin LeBlanc (Unattached) 70