Killeen has unfinished business at Golfplan final in Turkey

An Irish golf club is gearing up for a second national PGA final in the space of three months.

Killeen Golf Club, represented by Captain Art O’Molloy (right) and PGA Professional Brian Cosgrove (left), will be in action at the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-Captain Challenge in Turkey.

The pair will face nine other UK clubs in the £25,000 event, supported by Canopius, which is being held at the PGA Sultan course at Antalya Golf Club from November 21-22.

For Cosgrove it will be his second final of the year having played in the PGA National Pro-Am Championship at Gleneagles in September where he finished 11th behind winners Kedleston Park who are also in the field at Turkey.

O’Molloy says that Cosgrove’s triumphs have given the Co. Kildare club fresh impetus.

“What Brian has done this year has had a tremendous knock-on effect at the club,” said O’Molloy, aged 67, a company director in the motor trade who plays off a handicap of 14

“We’ve won two Leinster titles this year and it’s been a good 12 months. I’ve finished my captaincy duties for the year so I can now concentrate on Turkey.”

O’Molloy was also quick to praise Cosgrove as an ideal partner for an amateur player.

“Brian is a superb professional and when we’re playing he has a calming effect on me which is very important!

“But we’re going over there expecting to do reasonably well. There’s been a lot of support from the club for what Brian has done this year.”

For Cosgrove it is a case of unfinished business after his performance at Gleneagles.

“Getting to two finals in the same year has been good for the club at a time when we’re trying to attract new members, he said.

“But I want to make up for my performance at Gleneagles. We started well and were in contention, but we fell away and things didn’t quite click so I’ll be looking to improve when I play in Turkey.

“This is only my second attempt at getting to the Pro-Captain final and I think it’s a good thing to do in terms of getting to know the membership better. When you’re away for a few days it’s much better than chatting for a few minutes at the club.”

New sponsor Golfplan is backing the tournament to raise its profile in clubs and make golfers aware of its comprehensive insurance product.

The product  includes replacing stolen clubs with brand new equipment, liability cover in case a wayward shot damages someone or something and can even cover your bar bill if you manage a hole in one!

Roger Harvey, managing director of the Bristol-based firm, commented: “We’re looking forward to our first grand final and wish all the finalists the best of luck.

“The final in Turkey caps a great first year of sponsoring the event in which we’ve seen some fantastic golf and also been able to highlight our comprehensive insurance product which is aimed at golfers seeking unrivalled cover.”