Kearney crowned PGA No 1

Niall Kearney became the first Irishman to be crowned the PGA No 1 following his wire-to-wire victory in the Titleist PGA Play-Offs.

The 26-year-old Royal Dublin star (above) rose to the occasion over the PGA Sultan Course at Antalya Golf Club with rounds of 65, 67 and a closing 67 to finish on 14-under-par – two shots clear of the pack.

His victory secured him his main aim of a place in next year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, but also brought with it a place in the Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team and a cheque for £2,000.

Also celebrating was Channels PGA pro Jason Levermore, who finished runner-up on 12-under-par to cap a remarkable season. Just days after lifting the Golfplan PGA Pro-Captain title over the same course, he was also booking his place in the PGA Cup team and at Wentworth, while adding £1,500 to the £5,000 he won last week.

David Dixon (Enmore Park) completed the top three. The former European Tour winner, who went toe-to-toe with Levermore over the final round, finished on 11-under, earning him £1,200 but more importantly a long-awaited return to Wentworth and unexpected place in the GB&I PGA Cup team.

Kearney, who won with his dad Joe on his bag and his mum Fiona watching from the sidelines, said: “It’s huge to be the No 1. I played really well all week. I led from day one which was difficult at times as I felt a bit of pressure, certainly today. My game was there and it was just one of those weeks.

“I’ve never played the BMW PGA Championship and that was my goal coming out here. It’s going to be a dream come true. I’ve watched it on TV every year and to be part of it is going to be a real treat.

“I don’t know the full extent of the PGA Cup but it’s a top event and I’m delighted to have got in the team.”

Levermore (above), who has been in good form all season, was relieved it was finally all over and attributed his success this season to a settled lifestyle.

“I feel fantastic now. I know I was in a good position to make the PGA Cup team after the PGA Professional Championship but sealing it this week is fantastic. I’m over the moon now and glad it’s all finished. Before I came out to Turkey, GB&I captain Jon Bevan basically said ‘get my backside in gear and book my spot’ so I am pleased to get that spot.

“I’ll also be playing in my sixth BMW PGA Championship which I am looking forward to. The whole year has been superb and probably the best golf I’ve played with the least amount of practice in the last 10 years so it says a lot for being happy at home, family, good job and I seem a lot more settled on the course and generally less nervy.

“Putting six under in the last round is probably one of my best scores when I’ve been in contention and I’m pleased to finish off the week with a really positive score.”

Dixon, who won on the European Tour in 2008 and came into the event after six rounds at Tour School, was delighted to ensure he would be back at Wentworth.

“I came out here with a clear goal and that was to get into Wentworth,” said the 37-year-old.

“I committed to the region all year as I was made aware I could qualify for the Play-Offs. When I got here there was an added incentive of the PGA Cup, which I can play in and that was a double incentive so to get that spot as well is fantastic and I can’t wait for next year.

“I’ve played really good this week and finished third and achieved the goal. It means load to play in the BMW PGA Championship. My coach is from Wentworth and I’ve been there and watched the tournament lots of times and I’ve played in it a good few times and it’s where everyone wants to be.”

There were 10 spots on offer for the BMW PGA Championship, which saw four more taken by Alex Belt (Bridlington Links), Benn Barham (PGolfCoaching@Pedham), Greig Hutcheon (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre) and Chris Gane (Lefthandedgolf at Silvermere).

A four-hole play-off was required to decide the remaining three places which saw Midlander Matthew Cort (Rothley Park); Richard O’Hanlon (St Kew) and Ian Ellis (Great Yarmouth & Caister) book their spots with Andrew Willey (Bulwell Forest) and Darren Charlton (Dunstable Downs) missing out.

Ireland’s Colm Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance Ltd) finished fourth to pick up a cheque for £1,000 but was not eligible to qualify for the BMW PGA Championship.