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28 May, 2008

Masterson Ready For Second Shot At Final

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County Wicklow golfer Paul Masterson is looking for an improvement after he booked his place in the final of the Powerade PGA Assistants' Championship, in association with FootJoy.

Masterson, of Coollattin Golf Club in Arklow, shot a level-par 71 to win the Irish Region qualifier at Ardee from Athenry's Michael Mulryan.

The 22-year-old qualified for the final at The London Club last year and although he made the cut for the 54-hole event he was disappointed with his finish.

Now he has the chance to return and better his performance.

"I'm definitely looking forward to going back there and improving on what I did, especially as I know the course now," he said.

Masterson was in the final group out at Ardee and, as a result, probably had most of the worst weather with the wind picking up on the back nine.

"It was very blustery and that made it difficult controlling your ball through the air. You had to keep it down," he added. "I scrambled very well."

Mulryan, who won the qualifier last year but again had a disappointing final despite making the cut, was more upbeat about his chances this time around.

"I didn't do great in the final but I played fairly well in this and I'm a bit more confident now," said the 23-year-old.

"I could have done a bit better today but I didn't want to go for anything as I figured five or six over would be enough to get a qualifying spot so as long as I stayed ahead of that I knew I'd be okay.

"It was a steady round. I had a couple of three-putts but also missed a few good chances for birdie.

"I would now like to do myself justice in the final."

There were 15 places on offer for August's grand final but it required a play-off to sort out the final one after Peter McClelland (Portadown), Stephen O'Rourke (Tramore) and David Corrigan all tied on six-over 77.

O'Rourke dropped out at the first extra hole but it took a further three holes before McClelland booked his place.

The PGA Assistants' Championship, which has a £5,000 first prize, has had some notable winners with former Ryder Cup captain Dai Rees winning in 1935 and 1936, the 'Voice of Golf' Peter Allis claiming the title in '52, Open and US Open champion Tony Jacklin in '65 and Barry Lane in '83.