Confidence boosting Pro-Am win for McGeady

Michael McGeady travelled to England for this week’s PGA Professonal Championship with a spring in his step after winning the 36-hole Vermilion Energy Carne Pro-Am by three shots on Sunday.

McGeady (Evolve Golf Coaching) posted rounds of 67 (-5) and 71 (-1) to finish three shots ahead of Brian McElhinney (Evolve Golf Coaching) and David Higgins (Waterville Links).

“I figured something out with my swing on Saturday morning while I was warming up and I played nicely over the two days,” said the 41-year-old.

After playing his opening nine holes in level par, Michael made a significant move on the back nine when he birdied 10, 12, 13, 14 and 18 to take the lead in the clubhouse. At the close of play on day one, McElhinney was a shot back alongside Eamonn Brady (Clontarf GC).

“The first round was played in some of the calmest weather I have ever seen at Carne. The sun was shining, there was a bit of breeze, it was really pleasant,” added Michael.

“The front nine would be classed as the easier nine but I played the back nine better. I was six under par for that nine over the two days.”

Weather conditions deteriorated on Sunday and with scoring proving to be more difficult, McGeady's second round 71 (-1) actually extended his lead.

McElhinney carded a 73 (+1) to finish the tournament on three under par in a share of second place alongside David Higgins (Waterville Links) who posted a two under par round of 70.

Michael continued; “I’m delighted I made the decision to go down and play. It was a tough one because I knew I had to leave early to get to England for the PGA Professional Championship but I wanted to support the sponsors and the event and I’m obviously delighted to come away with a win.”

The team prize was won by Connemara professional Hugie O'Neill and amateur partners Gerry Maguire, Danny Glackin and Kevin Donnelly who finished on 184pts (93/91).

The 72-hole Titleist and Footjoy PGA Professional Championship will take place at Hunstanton GC (18-21 June). Joining Michael in the field are David Barry (Douglas GC), David Higgins (Waterville GC), Gary Madden (Glenlo Abbey GC), Colm Moriarty (Glasson Hotel & GC), N O’Briain (Old Conna GC) and Tim Rice (Limerick GC).

Vermilion Energy Carne Pro-Am - Sponsored by Vermilion at Carne Golf Links (Par 72)

Leading scores

1 M McGeady (Evolve Golf Coaching) 67 71 -6
T2 B McElhinney (Evolve Golf Coaching) 68 73 -3
T2 D Higgins (Waterville Golf Links) 71 70 -3
4 D Ryan (Cahir Park GC) 72 70 -2
5 E Brady (Clontarf GC) 68 75 -1
T6 C Moriarty (Glasson Hotel & GC) 72 72 lvl
T6 T Rice (Limerick GC) 71 73 lvl
T6 N Grant (Knock GC) 76 68 lvl
T6 S Thornton (Tulfarris Golf Resort) 70 74 lvl
10 D Mooney (Damian Mooney Golf) 70 75 +1