Kennedy retains Faldo Series Ireland title at Glasson
Royal Dublin’s Max Kennedy. Picture: Pat Cashman Photography
Royal Dublin’s Max Kennedy birdied two of his last five holes to retain the Faldo Series Ireland title at Glasson.
Leading by four shots from Andrew Hickey heading into the final round, Kennedy followed rounds of 73 and 71 with a closing 76 to win the Under 21 crown (and the overall title) by three shots on one-over-par.
Roscommon’s Thomas Higgins win the Boys Under 18 title by two shots from Mel Deasy as Laytown & Bettystown’s Daniel Mulligan claimed the Under 16 crown by two shots as he followed an opening 82 with brilliant rounds of 71 and 70.
Lauren Kelly won the Girls Under 21 title while Elm Park’s Emma Fleming claimed the Girls Under 16 title by four strokes.
The winners qualified to compete in the 24th Faldo Series Europe Grand Final at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, Abu Dhabi in November, where they will get to rub shoulders with Series founder, Sir Nick Faldo.
Kennedy, who will be looking to follow in the footsteps of 4-time Major Champion, Rory McIlroy, and European Tour player Gavin Moynihan, following this and his other recent Series successes.
Kennedy finished third overall at last year’s Grand Final and won his age category.
Kennedy said: “I battled hard today after a tricky front nine and it was great to get the win and go back to back in Ireland in the Faldo Series. The Series is a brilliant tournament to play in and the experience of going to Abu Dhabi last year was one of the best for me, and I cannot wait to get back there again later this year. Having Sir Nick at the final is always great too, he gives us all such good tips and advice and I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”
Matthew Faldo, Director of the Faldo Series, said: “The Series restart continues to go from strength to strength, and we’ve had another successful event here in Ireland at a fantastic new venue. The junior game in Ireland is strong, we’ve seen that historically, in particular when they have tricky playing conditions to contend with. Max should be congratulated on another fine win, along with the other age category winners, and we look forward to seeing them compete in Abu Dhabi at the Grand Final.”
The Faldo Series team and Glasson Golf Club staff had gone above and beyond to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all players and staff at the event remained uncompromised upon their return, with sanitisation stations, social distancing and reduced touchpoints implemented and signed throughout the event. Players continued to use the Faldo Series app to complete all scoring.
The Faldo Series Europe schedule continues, heading to the Vale Resort and Cottrell Park for the record-breaking Wales Championship that commences on the 10 August.
Faldo Series, Ireland Championship, Glasson Lakehouse
