Andrew Hogan was ‘over the moon’ after he edged David Higgins and Ciaran Molloy to win the CFM Group K Club PGA Pro-Am on the North Course on Tuesday.
The Edmondstown professional carded a four-under 68 to win by the minimum as he battled blustery and wet conditions on the Ryder Cup layout.
“I couldn’t be more happy, delighted. I’ve been playing really well but still so surprised to be standing here I couldn’t be happier, I’m good friends with one of the sponsors Paul Kelly and if I could pick a pro-am to win this one would be it I’m really happy to be here.”
Hogan topped the €25,000 field with a back nine of 32 after opening with a level-par 36 and to win at one of Ireland’s most famous golf courses was an added bonus.
“It’s a world famous golf course, certainly one of my favourites and the condition of the golf course is amazing, it was perfect and I couldn’t have enjoyed it any more to be fair.
“I started off really strong, second hole out of the trees I made a birdie and kicked on from there. Couple of pars then birdied the par-5, on the green in two and two putts, picked up a birdie on 16 which is a strong hole and birdied 18. Had a few tricky spots throughout the round and then birdied my last hole which was huge in the back of my head I had a feeling the putt was for the win.”
It’s Hogan’s first win since before Covid and he admitted he felt quite nervous going down the last few holes but credited his team and his caddie for helping him get over the line.
“I was nervous, I’ve had a couple of good scores going the last few weeks that went the other way through nerves but managed to learn from them and today I just held on and played the last few holes really well. By calming down it was the me of old which was nice.”
Waterville’s Higgins had held the lead all afternoon after posting a morning three-under 69 before he was joined late in the day by Molloy and they settled for a share of second place.
Scoring HERE
K-Club North team results 2023
1 st : Peter Morgan, Elm Park G.C. 93pts
Dave Curley, Tom Geraghty, & Damien Dillon
2 nd : James Quinlivan, Mullingar G.C. 89pts, 46
Ritchie Lowry, PJ. Dreeling, Noel Mead
3 rd : Simon Thornton, Spa G.C. 89pts 45
Alan Ward, Trevor Connolly, & Jamie Stafford
1 st Place Professional
Andrew Hogan, Edmondstown G.C. 68, 4 under
2 nd place tie
David Higgins, Waterville Golf Links 69, 3 under
Ciaran Molloy, Co.Louth G.C.
View this post on Instagram
Leave a comment