Jenkinson claims the Ruddy Cup

Shane Jenkinson produced a superb performance to win The Ruddy Cup for Trainee Professionals at The European Club.

The Wicklow links was lashed by driving wind and rain but Jenkinson somehow managed to compile an excellent one-over par 72 to claim victory.

“It was brutal, end of the world stuff to play in,” said Dubliner Jenkinson, who recently completed his third year PGA exams.

To put Jenkinson's score into context, his round was five shots better than second-placed Craig Melvin (Corrstown GC) on a day when only four players broke 80.

“I haven't been playing much because of the exams and I've also had injury issues,” Jenkinson continued. "I did a Tony Finau. I popped my ankle playing football a few weeks ago.

“I seriously considered not playing the event at all because my back was also giving me a problem but I went down, took some painkillers, put some rub on my back and tried not to make a show of myself.”

The 29-year-old St Margaret's Golf and CC assistant went to the turn in two-over 37 and came back in one-under 35 which included back-to-back birdies on the 12th and 13th.

“I wasn't expecting anything. It was damage limitation for 18 holes really but I know the course reasonably well and managed to miss it in the right places so I couldn't really mess it up totally.”

Sponsor Pat Ruddy applauded the efforts of the winner in coping with the conditions, adding: "The players had their work cut out because of the weather so congratulations to Shane, it was a very good score.

“I notice Shane trains at another Ruddy designed venue, St Margaret's, he clearly knows how to beat Ruddy!”