Neil O’Briain cruised to a three-shot success at Balmoral in the 25th Fred Daly Memorial Pro-Am.
The Old Conna professional, a winner of this tournament back in 2016, posted a five-under-par 64 in some wet and windy conditions to claim a timely success.
“I holed a couple of decent length putts and played solid enough,” said O’Briain who recorded six birdies and one bogey in his round.
“I knew two under was in. I got to four under and then I had a crack at the par-five 16th and made birdie. It was probably a little bit unnecessary, but I’m trying to play a little bit more aggressive. I had a couple of chances coming down the stretch but to be honest, everything went great.”
Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC), Brian McCormack (Royal Dublin) and Richard O’Donovan (Dun Laoghaire GC) finished in second place on two-under par but it was all about the winner who’s now hoping the result can prove a much-needed springboard into the rest of the season.
“I’m searching for a bit of momentum,” added Neil.
“I’ve only played a handful of regional events and have a couple of seconds, a third and a win at Elm Park. It’s been solid enough and hopefully I carry that with me into a few more events.”
The team prize went to Robert Giles (Greenore GC) and amateur partners Sean Robinson, David Robinson and Joe Robinson who combined for a score of 87 points.
25th Fred Daly Memorial Pro-Am
sponsored by ESS & Kings Hall Health
at Balmoral Golf Club (par 69)
Leading scores
1 N O’Briain (Old Conna GC) -5 64
T2 B Jnr McCormack (Royal Dublin GC) -2 67
T2 R Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) -2 67
T2 R O’Donovan (Dun Laoghaire GC) -2 67
5 D Mooney (Damian Mooney Golf) -1 68
T6 B Doheny (Callan GC) E 69
T6 S Barry (Royal Tara GC) E 69
T6 S Quinlan (SQ Golf) E 69
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