Kelly cruises to Concra Wood victory
02/05/2014
John Kelly put on something of a masterclass on his way to the winning the Etihad Airways PGA Sprint event at Concra Wood GC.
The St Margaret's GC golfer carded a six-under-par 66 to ease home by three shots over nearest challenger, Portadown's Paul Stevenson.
Reigning Irish PGA champion, Michael McGeady, was joint third on two-under alongside Michael McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown) and David Ryan (Cahir Park).
The Christy O'Connor Jnr designed course in Castleblayney has been earning rave reviews since opening for play in 2008 and that growing reputation helped entice 60 professionals to the Co Monaghan venue.
Kelly's victory was built on a superb front nine. He went to the turn in five-under 31, with birdies at the first, third, fourth, sixth and seventh. A dropped shot at the par four downhill 10th halted his momentum somewhat but he hit back with a birdie at the par four 11th and added one more birdie at the par five 15th.
Stevenson, making his 2014 season debut went to the turn in three under 33, but failed to kick on after the turn. He dropped a shot at 14, birdied the par four 16th, dropped another shot at 17 but wrapped his round up with a birdie at 18.
The next event on the PGA in Ireland schedule is the Greystones Pro-Am.
