Quinlivan and McGeady best in Galway Bay Pro-Am
Winners James Quinlivan and Michael McGeady at Galway Bay
Mullingar’s James Quinlivan and Evolve Golf Coaching’s Michael McGeady fired a pair of two-under-par 70s to share first place at the Galway Bay Pro-Am supported by Irish Golfer Magazine.
The duo finished one shot ahead of the in-form Royal Dublin professional Brian Jnr McCormack and Banbridge’s Richard Kilpatrick on a day when windy conditions made low scoring proved difficult.
This was Quinlivan's first win of the season and he produced some high-quality golf in the process getting round without a dropped shot.
The Mullingar man, starting at the first, picked up birdies at the par-four second and par-three third while adding 16 pars.
“I drove it superbly. I've been working with Eddie Doyle at The Heritage and he has been at me to hit a draw and I was solid as a rock today,” said James.
“It's so hard to win on the Region so I was delighted to tie with Michael. I have been putting a lot of work in so it was really nice to put a good round together.”
In contrast, this was McGeady's fifth win of another consistent season, one that currently puts him second on the Order of Merit behind run away leader Damien McGrane from Carlow Golf Club.
“It was tough conditions. I hit driver, three wood to the 10th green and in practice, I hit driver seven iron,” said Michael, who began his round on the 10th with a shot-gun start in operation.
“I played really solid. I was hitting balls in the warm up and my body felt good. I have been struggling a bit with some niggles that are not going away.
“I hit some nice shots and put a good score together. It has been a 'so-so' season. I think I played better last year. This year, I am playing close to that level and my short game has been solid. That is what keeps you putting scores in.”
The team prize went to SQ Golf professional Steven Quinlan and amateur partners Dara Noone, Kieran Conroy and Ed Corin with 89 points.
Galway Bay Pro-Am, supported by Irish Golfer Magazine, Galway Bay Golf Resort (Par 72)
70 J Quinlivan (Mullingar GC), M McGeady (Evolve Golf Coaching)
71 B Jnr McCormack (Royal Dublin GC), R Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC)
72 B McElhinney (Evolve Golf Coaching)
73 S Thornton (Tulfarris Golf Resort), T Rice (Limerick GC), C Moriarty (Glasson Hotel & GC)
74 S Quinlan (SQ Golf)
