Athenry golfer David Kitt said it was a long time coming as he secured his first championship with the Murray Timber Group Connacht Men’s Stroke Play Championship in Galway Golf Club.
The 26-year-old, who finished T3 in this event when it was played in Portumna in 2024, is the first Galwegian to claim the Connacht Stroke Play since Sam Murphy three years ago.
Kitt had a near miss at this venue in 2017 when he lost out to Jamie Fletcher (Warrenpoint) in the final of the AIG Irish Men’s Amateur Close Championship.
But a couple of weeks after a Barton Shield success in Galway, and despite a double-bogey opening hole, he followed up his two rounds of 68 with a 70 for a one-under par total and a one-shot victory.
“Nothing changed (after the first), it was just one hole,” said Kitt.
“I knew I had time and the conditions were tough, I’d been striking the ball well all week. I knew if I just stuck to doing that, I’d been in the shake up.
“And it means everything, that’s why we’re practising. It’s a first championship win at any level. I’m delighted.
“There was great support from Athenry and the locals around here too.”
Bangor golfer Lewis Gowdy looked to have played himself out of contention with a disappointing 76 in the second round on Friday, but he bounced back this morning.
He began his round with a birdie at the first and had four more on his front nine, before two on his back nine for a stunning round of 63 and the clubhouse lead on level par.
Kitt was one shot behind at that stage, he began with that double-bogey and despite a bogey at the fifth, he was able to steady things on the front nine.
He had five straight pars until birdies at 12 and 13 and that separated him at the summit, with two putts enough to secure the win on the 18th green.
“We won the Barton Shield here two weeks ago, so to do the double is great,” said Kitt.
“Over the years between Inter-Club and other championships, Galway is such a great venue and they’re always willing to host championships, which is brilliant.
“The course was in such great condition, it’s a pleasure to play.”
View the final scores here
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