Gary Collins won the 36-hole Midland Scratch Cup at Carlow Golf Club on Saturday.

Pictured above: Tony Crowe (Captain Carlow GC), Gary Collins (Rosslare GC) and Mark Mullen (Rosslare GC)

He beat his Rosslare Senior Cup team mate Brian Mullen with a birdie on the first playoff hole, rapping in four footer, after they had tied on two-over 142.

Collins opened with a 73 to trail Mullen’s 69 by four shots.

In round two, it was Collins who had the 69, just missing a 15-foot eagle putt on the par-five 18th to win outright.

On the first play-off hole, Collins hit a brilliant eight-iron from semi-rough on the left to four feet.

Mullen followed with a seven-iron from the fairway to 20 feet.

With Mullen missing his putt, Collins duly holed out for victory.

Former Carlow player John Greene was third on 146, and the best local player was 16-year-old Mikey Fenelon on 149 after rounds of 72 and 77.

There have been many illustrious winners of the Midland Scratch Cup from Joe Carr and Tom Craddock to Mark Gannon, Martin O’Brien and Padraig Harrington.

Midland Scratch Cup, Carlow, Par 70

Prize-winners

1. Gary Collins (Rosslare) 142 (73, 69);

2. Mark Mullen (Rosslare) 142 (69, 73);

3. John Greene (Portmarnock) 146 (74, 72);

4. Alan Condren (Greystones) 148 (73, 75);

5. Adam Packman (Greystones) 148 (72, 76);

6. Michael Kavanagh Jnr (Woodenbridge) 149 (79, 70).

   Best 18, round-one, James Mitten (Castleknock) 71

   Round two, Mark Doogue (Castleknock)

   Below: Tony Crowe (Captain Carlow GC) and Gary Collins (Rosslare GC)