David Higgins comes through to win PGA Southern Championship

David Higgins (Waterville) carded a five-under-par round of 67 to win the PGA Southern Championship at Powerscourt GC.

Higgins finished the 36-hole event on nine-under-par, one shot ahead of overnight leader, Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge) with Mark O'Sullivan (Piltown Driving Range) a shot further back.

“I played nicely today. It was a great round, my only mistake came at the 13^th when I three-putted for a bogey but apart from that I played some solid golf,” said the 42-year-old.

“I went home last week and played some golf with my father (Liam). He gave me a few pointers and I managed to take them into the tournament.”

Higgins trailed Kilpatrick by a shot heading into the final round but it was O'Sullivan who had the advantage after nine holes at the Co Wicklow venue.

A trio of birdies at seven, eight and nine saw O'Sullivan edge ahead of playing partners Kilpatrick and Higgins by a single shot with nine to play.

The Waterville man found some momentum after the turn and birdies at 10, 11 and 12 brought him level with O'Sullivan on nine-under-par who also birdied the 11^th and 12^th.

That bogey at 13 dropped Higgins back on eight-under but he responded with a birdie at the 14^th and took the lead on his own when O'Sullivan dropped a shot at the 15^th.

A further dropped shot by O'Sullivan at the 18^th saw him drop into third with Kilpatrick's blemish free back nine of two under par 34 earning him the runner's up spot.

Victory also saw Higgins edge ahead of long-time leader Eamonn Brady (Clontarf) in the Order of Merit battle.

“Eamonn has been playing some fantastic golf all year. It has kind of helped push me along,” added David.

“I'm sure we will have a really good battle now for that top spot.”