Ryan best in Flogas Pro-Am at Castleknock
Cahir Park's David Ryan carded a four under 68 to win the Flogas Pro-Am by a shot from Simon Thornton In at Castleknock Golf and Country Club.
Apart from winning the team prize with his amateur partners, Waterville's David Higgins shot a 70 to tie for third with Colm Moriarty, Joe Dillon, Brian McElhinney, Ted Higgins and Neil O'Briain.
The winner made a slow start to his round, recording five pars before finishing strongly with birdies at the sixth, seventh (where he holed from 35 feet) and the ninth.
He played more steadily on the back nine, adding further birdies at the par four 13th and par-five 16th, before dropping a shot at the last.
“I started the season pretty poorly but there are signs of the game coming round a bit since the Irish Club Pro,” Ryan said.
“It was tricky around Castleknock at times with the swirling wind so I was very happy with the score. It was bouncy and the greens were exceptional - really quick. If you found yourself on the wrong side it was difficult to get the ball within six feet of the flag."
Higgins and amateur partners Niall Carroll, Mark Neville and PJ Butler took the team prize with 92 points.
Flogas Pro-Am, Castleknock Golf and Country Club (Par 72)
68 David Ryan (Cahir Park GC)
69 Simon Thornton (Tulfarris Golf Resort)
70 David Higgins (Waterville Golf Links), Colm Moriarty (Glasson Hotel & GC), Joe Dillon (Headfort Golf Club), Brian McElhinney (North West GC), Ted Higgins (www.tedhiggins.com), Neil O'Briain (Old Conna GC).