Walsh digs deep to win Mid West Alliance opener

Dromoland Golf Club

Castletroy's Darragh Walsh defied winds blowing over 30 kph to win the opening Mid West Alliance outing of the season at Dromoland Castle.

While 62 golfers braved the elements in an event sponsored by Eanna Jones Golf, just four managed to break par in blustery conditions with Walsh firing a sensational 40 points to win by three from Athlone's Niall Carroll.

He played with Munster interprovincial Andrew McCormack and former Irish Amateur Open winner Peter O'Keeffe but while he trailed both men after 11 holes, he scrambled for par seven times and played the last five holes in three-under to claim the top prize. 

He credited his performance to the work he has done over the winter with his coach Micheal Collins from Newtwopothouse

Nenagh's David Hunt took up where he left off last year when he got his title defence off the perfect start with a winning start in the opening 45's category with 33 points.

It was a one-two for Dromoland members in the category for golfers with handicaps from 4-9 as Kevin McMillan's 31 points edged out Jamie McCormack by one.

Mid West Alliance, Dromoland GC

Category 0-3

1, Darragh Walsh (Castletroy) 40 pts;

2, Niall Carroll (Athlone) 37 pts (last 6)

Category 4-9

1, Kevin McMillan (Dromoland) 31 pts;

2, Jamie McCormack (Dromoland) 30 (last 9).

Over 45s

1, David Hunt (Nenagh) 33 pts

Next outing: 23 February, Athenry. Entries on 091-794466.