McGrane to defend PGA Southern Championship at Rathsallagh

Rathsallagh Golf and Country Club

Carlow's Damien McGrane will defend the PGA Southern Championship at Rathsallagh Golf and Country Club on September 19.

A two-time winner of the long-established event, the Kells man posted a five under par 67 at Headfort to finish two shots ahead of Bray Golf Club's Dara Lernihan, Tulfarris Golf Resort's Simon Thornton and Craddockstown's and Liam Whelan.

McGrane has played a much-reduced schedule in 2018 but will still remain a threat to retain his title at the Co. Wicklow venue which reopened in June 2016 under new ownership.

Rathsallagh's 10th hole

"As a venue we are trying to get ourselves back out there again and hoping to put on a good event for everybody," said Rathsallagh professional Mick O'Shea.

"I'd love to see the Southern Championship back where it belongs on our schedule as one of our top events. Hopefully, all of the PGA members will come along and support it on the day."

The course, which first opened in 1994, was designed by Peter McEvoy and the late Christy O’Connor Jnr. 

Built to championship standard, the Dunlavin course is routed over rolling terrain and water into play on several, many of them framed by mature trees.

"The fairways are wide open so if you drive it well, you can expect to score well,” added O'Shea.

"Given some decent weather, I think there will be some low scoring. The course was re-routed last September and the old 10th is now the first. We also created a new 11th hole, a par three."

The tournament will be preceded on September 18 by the PGA Southern Championship Pro-Am