Three bogeys in a row early in the back nine for Ronan Mullarney allowed French amateur Hermes Ferchaud to come steaming in and pip him to the Toro Tour title at La Canada Golf.
Mullarney had to settle for second place on one-over-par after a one-over 72 as Ferchaud’s superb 67 saw him finish a shot ahead on level-par.
The Galway native teed off with a two-shot lead from fellow Irishman Jake Whelan and it appeared to be plain sailing with birdies on the third and fourth.
A third birdie of the day would not arrive until the 15th and at that stage he was in a rat race with Ferchaud to see who came out on top.
A dropped shot on 6 saw him turn in 35 before three successive bogeys on 11, 12 and 13 saw him fall out of the lead as his French challenger came flying home with birdies on 16 and 18.
Mullarney did finish top of the professional category.
Ferchaud also edged out Grange’s Whelan to the amateur prize. The Munster Strokeplay champion finished third overall and runner-up in the amateur class on three-over after a one-over 72.
Portmarnock’s James Temple finished ninth overall on ten-over after a 75 while Joseph Byrne of Baltinglass was two shots further back.
Cork’s John Hickey was nineteenth on plus eighteen with Powerscourt’s David Shiel a shot further back.
- Scoring HERE
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