Higgins retains Irish Club Pro title

David Higgins, the reigning PGA Professional Champion, has set his sights on wrestling the Order of Merit title off Damien McGrane after retaining his Irish Club Professional crown at stunning Dromoland Castle.

“I've missed out the last couple of years so I want to finish top,” said David.

“It won't be easy. Damien has been playing some super golf and there are some talented young players doing well. I really have to knuckle down this year and not let any shots slip away.”

The Waterville man produced a composed display in testing conditions to win the Carr Golf and Citroen sponsored event by three shots at the Co Clare venue.

His second round level par 72 included just one birdie on the par five fourth, and one bogey on the par three 17th as he finished on 144 for 36 holes.

“I was delighted with that today. With it being so windy there was a disaster around every corner so I kept it steady and kept the big numbers off my card,” said the 44-year-old.

“It was a great couple of days, fantastic weather and a spectacular setting for the course which was set up tough. It played a bit 'linksy' which was right up my alley and considering the course set-up and the high winds I was delighted to shoot level par.”

Four players finished in a share of joint second, Colm Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance), Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge), Brian McElhinney (North West) and Eamonn Brady (Clontarf Golf Club).

Round one leader, Adam Dunmore, slipped out of contention after a tough front nine and eventually finished in a share of 34^th.