Castleknock’s David Carey closed with a blistering eight-under 62 before falling in a three-way playoff for the Alps Tour’s Abruzzo Alps Open in Italy.

The Castleknock based professional, who shot an 11-under 57 en route to his maiden Alps Tour win in the 2019 Cervino Open, followed four birdies in a row from the 11th with a bogey at the 15th and a birdie at the 18th at Miglianico Golf & Country Club in Pescara before following birdies the third and fifth with an eagle at the par-five ninth.

Scores

He tied on 12-under par with Manuel Morugan and the Netherlands’ Koen Kouwenaar before the Spaniard hit his approach inside two feet at the first extra hole, the 232-yard 10th, to claim his maiden Alps Tour title and a cheque for €5,800.

Carey won €3,250 to move up to 20th in the Order of Merit as West Waterford’s Gary Hurley (29) also shot a superb 62 to finish solo fourth on 11-under, a shot outside the playoff.

Hurley made nine birdies and an eagle in his 62 to win €2,120 and jumped 26 places to 12th in the Order of Merit with Conor Purcell, who tied for 17th on seven-under after a closing 66, the leading Irish player at sixth.

"I'm very happy with today's round,” Carey said. “I birdied five of my last six holes yesterday and continued that momentum into today's round. I'm very happy with how I managed my game, lots of softer swings especially with my driver. 

“I wasn't hitting it as far as I normally would, but I made up for it with some very good short game and putting. I eagled my last hole, so I'm very happy with my temperament and how I handled the whole situation.

"I struggled with the par-fives the first couple of days but made up for it today with two birdies and one eagle. The par threes at Miglianico Golf play very difficult so the tee shots need to be accurate.

"It's not so long but it's tricky if you are out of position. I've always enjoyed playing this course. I'm very good with my wedges so I think that's what suits me about this course."

Mallow’s James Sugrue made five birdies and two double bogeys in a 69 to finish tied seventh on nine-under and earn €1,320 to go to 43rd in the Order of Merit.

The Alps Tour moves north towards Milan to Molinetto Golf and Country Club for the inaugural Molinetto Alps Open in three weeks.