McElroy and Gribben tops in Nicklaus Series at Killeen Castle

Ryan Gribben (Warrenpoint). Picture by Pat Cashman

Ballymena’s Dermot McElroy and Warrenpoint’s Ryan Gribben took the top prizes in the latest Nicklaus Series outing at Killeen Castle.

After a delayed start due to sub zero temperatures at the Jack Nicklaus’ signature course in Co. Meath, McElroy chiseled out a two under par 70, dropping just one shot to top the leaderboard.

Ballymena’s Dermot McElroy

After opening with a birdie, he followed his lone bogey at the par-three sixth with a birdie four at the seventh to turn in one-under.

The former West of Ireland champion and Irish International picked up a further birdie on the par four 11th before parring his way home for his 70.

Only plus two-handicapper Gribben came close to matching his score, carding an impressive, one-under 71 to win the gross prize.

Out in one-under after following birdies at the fourth and seventh with a bogey on the long par-three eighth, Gribben played a very steady back nine, swapping a birdie on the par-five 15th with a bogey on the par-three 14th.

Headfort’s Stephen Tierney (6) was second in the nett with 35 points as Irish International Colm Campbell took the second gross prize with 34 points off plus four.

The Nicklaus Series is a singles stableford event for professional golfers and single figure amateurs . It is held over the winter season at Killeen Castle, which hosted the Solheim Cup in 2011.

Next outing: Friday, December 6. See www.killeencastle.com for further details.