Peerless Maurice Kelly claimed his fifth Irish Seniors Close Championship at Enniscrone, finishing six shots clear of the field on five under.
Naas veteran Kelly entered the final round with a two-shot cushion but dropped three shots on the front nine to fall one behind Tuam’s Alan Moran. Disaster struck for Moran at the 10th where he ran up a triple bogey seven while Kelly caught fire on the back nine, making eagle at the par-five 14th and birdies at 13 and 15 to card a final round 72.
Kelly had previously won the Irish Seniors Close in 2009, 2010, 2014 and 2015. His triumph at Enniscrone marks his fifth victory in the event making him the most successful player in the championship since it was introduced in 2009.
Castlerock’s David Mulholland finished second on plus one having carded a 74 in the final round while England’s Steve Graham posted 75 to finish third.
Tramore’s John Mitchell took the category prize for the over 60s. Tralee’s Michael Coote was best in the over 65 category and Peter Cowley from Cork led the over 70s.
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