Wentworth boost as Mooney fires record 65 at New Ross
Ballyliffin's Damian Mooney
A magazine tip worked a treat for Damian Mooney, who warmed up for next week's BMW PGA Championship by firing a super 65 to win the Culcita Garden Furniture Pro-Am at New Ross.
Now playing out of Ballyliffin, Mooney's five under par effort was a course record and good enough to beat Irish champion, Michael McGeady and Fernhill Golf and Country Club's Wayne O'Callaghan by two shots. Scores
The 45-year-old began steadily at the Co Wexford venue with a birdie at the par four seventh which got him to the turn in one under 33.
He then picked up the pace on the back nine with birdies at 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16 offset by a dropped shot at the par five 13th to come home in four under 65.
And he revealed that it was a magazine article that was the key to his success.
“On the front nine I putted well but holed nothing and on the back nine I holed a few putts,” said Mooney, who will fly out to Wentworth this weekend for some early reconnaissance ahead of the BMW PGA Championship.
“I read an article in a magazine recently which gave me something I can use. I was feeling pretty good about it. It usually sticks with you for a while and then you have to find something new.
“It's always nice to put a good round together. It gives you something positive to take away and also gives you the opportunity to assess the different elements of your game.”
Mooney is returning to Wentworth after a 10-year gap and is looking forward to the challenge.
“I haven't played it since they made the changes so I will have a look around at the weekend to get my bearings,” he added.
“The last time I played was 2004. I played alongside Scott Drummond for two rounds who went on to win it that year.”
Ciaran Molloy (Blackwood GC) finished in fourth place on one under par and he also managed to guide home the winning team in the Pro-Am with a superb score of 95 points.
The next event on the PGA in Ireland circuit is the Etihad Airways Sprint at Seapoint GC.
Senior PGA Professional Championship
Downfield's Kenneth Hutton won the Senior PGA Professional Championship at Foxhills, closing with a level par 73 to win by a stroke from Saunton's Albert MacKenzie on two under 216.
Luttrellstown's Peter O'Hagan (77) tied for 33rd on 228 with Royal Curragh's Gerry Burke (78) tied for 42nd on 230.
New Ross Pro Am
Sponsored by Culcita Garden Furniture
1 Damian Mooney (Ballyliffin Golf Club) 65
2 Michael McGeady (Unatt.) 67
2 Wayne O'Callaghan (Fernhill Golf & Country Club) 67
4 Ciaran Molloy (Blackwood Golf Centre) 69
5 David Ryan (Cahir Park Golf Club) 70
5 Noel Murray (Massereene Golf Club) 70
7 Enda Maguire (Dundalk Golf Club) 71
7 Michael McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown) 71
7 Kenny Fahey (GUI National Academy) 71
7 Jimmy Bolger (Kilkenny Golf Club) 71
11 David Ruddy (Cahir Park Golf Club 72
11 Frank Holly (Charleville Golf Club) 72
11 Eddie Doyle (Natural Golf School) 72
11 John Kelly (St Margaret's Golf & Country) 72
Pro-Am scores
1 Ciaran Molloy (Blackwood GC) 95
2 Brian Doheny (Rathsallagh GC) 89
2 David Hughes (Massereene GC) 89
2 Scott Wilson (Co Louth GC) 89
5 Damian Mooney (Ballyliffin GC) 87
5 David Ryan (Cahir Park GC) 87
5 Joe Dillon (Headfort GC) 87
