David Higgins (Waterville) has set his sights on winning this year’s Order of Merit title and he’s made a fast start in his bid. The 44-year-old won his second title in four events on Monday at the Roganstown Golf Hotel Pro-Am.
Higgins was the only player in the field at Roganstown Golf and Country Club to break par, signing for a three under par 68 that gave him a three shot win over European Tour stalwart Robert Rock and Jimmy Bolger (Kilkenny GC).
Rock, a friend of Roganstown MD, Ian McGuinness, flew in from the European Tour event in Portugal to compete in the tournament which supported the Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
“I have to keep driving forward now. All the other players’ games will be getting sharper as they get more competitive rounds under their belts so I cannot afford to ease up,” said David.
The winner produced an up and down round, one he put down to ‘early season’ mistakes.
Starting at the 15th he birdied the 16th, dropped a shot at the 17th and then birdied the par five 18th.
The rest of his round continued in similar fashion, he collected six more birdies but also a bogey at the fifth and a double-bogey at the par three ninth when he found the water off the tee.
“I’m delighted to get another victory. Although I hit the ball well over the last couple of weeks I felt my putting wasn’t where it should be,” said David.
“After Ballykisteen [the PGA Europro event] I had a good lesson with my brother Brian and made a slight adjustment in my grip and set up. It seemed to work, I putted beautifully, so big thanks to Brian.
“Roganstown is another strong golf course and was in excellent condition. With the windy conditions the PGA did a great job setting the course up fairly.”
Carton House professional Harry Coyne guided his amateur partners, Niall Coyne, Alan Migivern and John Davies to victory in the team event, supported by the Brightwater Group, with 89 points.
Roganstown Golf Hotel Pro-Am
supporting Crumlin Children’s Hospital
At Roganstown Golf and Country Club (par 71)
Leading scores
1 D Higgins (Waterville Golf Links) 68
T2 R Rock, J Bolger (Kilkenny GC) 71
T4 B McElhinney (North West GC), C Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance Ltd), K Shannon, T Rice (Limerick GC), M McGeady (Seamus Duffy Golf Academy)
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