It wasn’t the final round either Dermot McElroy or Daniel Brennan would’ve envisaged but the pair can take plenty of encouragement after a decent three days at the EuroPro Tour’s Jessie May World Snooker Golf Championship.
Tied together just three shots back starting the final round at Donnington Grove, McElroy could only manage a one-over 73 for a five-under tally, one clear of Brennan who carded a two-over par round of 74. It’s a tough business on golf’s satellite tours but for a solid week’s work, Ballymena pro McElroy pockets £910 while Brennan takes home a cheque worth £605.
Tullamore’s Stuart Grehan carded a second consecutive one-under 71 to tie 23rd at two-under while Galway’s Ronan Mullarney also signed off with a 71 for a one-under tally.
At the top, an emotional Conor O’Neil fired a final day round of 68 to come from three shots back to beat his compatriot Jeff Wright and George Woolgar by one shot. O’Neil (Pollok / Mearns Castle) battled throughout on his final round putting together a fine four-under day which included an eagle on nine and a birdie on 16 which proved to be enough to win and seal a maiden PGA EuroPro Tour title.
The Scotsman’s past year is tough to comprehend for anyone after his father and uncle took their own lives, O’Neil dedicated his victory to him: “I’ve been trying to win here for ages. I’ve had the worst time of my life in the last year. I don’t have any words, I’m just so happy I wish my dad could be here to see this he deserves this more than me, to be honest for what he did for me.”
Victory for O’Neil also sees him move top of the Race to Alcanada order of merit after two events: “I just had a complete 360 I just went for everything I am just so happy it paid off.”
On perspective: “There’s more to life than golf, what my family has been through to give them something to smile about you know because we’re not smiling right now. I’m more happy for them more than me to be honest.”
Overnight leader, Rodi Vlasveld crumbled early on and he never fully recovered eventually having to settle for a share of ninth after a final round of 76 (-4). Vlasveld of The Dutch had set a course record 62 yesterday but he quickly showed how fortunes can change so easily on the course.
Monday Qualifier Jeff Wright had a stellar week running O’Neil all the way to 18 where a bogey meant he couldn’t force a playoff. Wright of Forres Golf Club signed for level par coming just short of what would’ve been a fairytale week.
He shared second in the end with veteran EuroPro Tour player George Woolgar. Woolgar had the round of the day as he pushed on for a 67 (-5) moving into the top five on the Race to Alcanada standings.
Hindhead Golf Club’s Cameron Phillips had another strong showing with a 68 final round to take a share of fourth with 2021 Q School winner Sam Broadhurst.
The top ten was rounded out by Luke Joy (Remedy Oak / Yas Links Abu Dhabi), James Allan (Chelmsford Golf Club), John Parry (Harrogate Golf Club), Jamie Rutherford (Knebworth Golf Club), Chris Lloyd (Hanbury Manor), Will Enefer (Retail Furniture Ltd), McElroy (Ballymena Golf Club) and Rod Vlasveld.
As well as the £12,500 first place, Conor O’Neil also receives a Motocaddy M1 Electric Trolley and PRO 3000 laser rangefinder thanks to our official electric trolley and laser rangefinder partner Motocaddy and a P2 Grip and Trident Align from our official grip partner P2 Grips.
The Tour moves west to Cumberwell Park next week from June 16 to June 18 where the qualifier will be hosted on Tuesday 15, June.
Highlights will be aired on Sky Sports from Tuesday 22, June at 6 pm, with regular showings over the following days. The full listings can be found here.
- Full scoring HERE
Leave a comment