McGrane beats Kilpatrick in playoff to win PGA Challenge
L-R: Conor Mallaghan, Carton House; Michael McCumiskey, PGA in Ireland; Damien McGrane, and Derek Stokes, Johnston Mooney and O'Brien
Damien McGrane edged out Richard Kilpatrick on the first play-off hole to win the 36-hole Johnston, Mooney and O'Brien PGA Challenge at Carton House.
The pair put on a low-scoring exhibition over the Montgomerie course on Wednesday with Damien signing for a seven under par 65 only for Kilpatrick to trump him with an eight under 64.
That sent the duo back down the par four opening hole with McGrane's birdie sealing victory.
“We both hit two good drives down the first and Richard hit his approach to five feet while I hit mine into three feet. He missed, I holed to win,” said Damien who had nine birdies and a double bogey in his 65.
“It was one of those days, the weather was good, the course was good and I managed to hit it close.”
Mark Whelan (Castlewarden Golf & CC) finished third on six under par with Mark Staunton (Delgany GC) and David Higgins (Waterville Links) sharing fourth on five under.
Overnight leader, Ciaran Molloy (Ardee GC) followed up his opening round 68 with a three over par 75 to finish down the field in a tie for 11th.
Johnston Mooney & O'Brien PGA Challenge, presented by Johnston Mooney & O'Brien, Carton House (The Montgomerie, Par 72)
134 R Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) 70 64, D McGrane 69 65 (McGrane won with birdie at 1st extra hole);
138 M Whelan (Castlewarden Golf & CC) 72 66;
139 D Higgins (Waterville Golf Links) 73 66, M Staunton (Delgany GC) 71 68
140 S Thornton (Simon Thornton Golf) 72 68
141 C Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance Ltd) 71 70.
