Grehan and O'Donovan tops in Winter Series
Stuart Grehan during this year's Irish Challenge at Mount Wolseley. Picture: Jimmy Penrose
Links legend Des Smyth shot a two-over 73 but it was Tullamore's Stuart Grehan who claimed the top nett prize with a two-under 69 in the TaylorMade Winter Series at Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links.
The former Irish international, who turned professional recently, had a shot to spare over Grange four-handicapper Graham McDonnell with Royal Tara's Sean Whelan third in perfect links conditions.
"We had lovely blue skies and a nice breeze to keep it tricky," said Portmarnock Links' Niall Carbery.
"While other golf courses are now playing winter rules, we play the ball as it lies here and it is nice a dry under foot."
No fewer than 82 players teed it up, including 13 "plus" handicappers.
Dun Laoghaire's Richard O'Donovan shot an even-par 71 and edged out Castle's Ross McKeever for the gross thanks to his homeward nine of 35 with Castleknock's Paul Coughlan third with a 72.
But Grehan and former Ryder Cup player Smyth weren't the only professionals to tee it up.
Kevin Le Blanc shot a 73 with a double bogey at the 18th costing him a prize while reigning Irish Professional champion Tim Rice shot a four-over-par 75.
TaylorMade Winter Series at Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links (Par 71, SSS 75, CSS 75)
Tuesday 7 November
Nett
- Stuart Grehan (pro) Unattached 69
- Graham McDonnell (4) Grange 70
- Sean Whelan (4) Royal Tara
Gross
- Richard O'Donovan (Dun Laoghaire) 71 B9:35
- Ross McKeever (The Castle) 71
- Paul Coughlan (Castleknock) 72.
