Kilpatrick takes route 66 to victory in Limerick

Richard Kilpatrick carded a second round 66 to win the New Ireland Assurance Limerick Golf Club Pro-Am.

The Banbridge GC assistant finished the tournament on eight under par, one shot ahead of Neil O'Briain (Old Conna GC).

Kilpatrick opened the 36-hole event on Thursday with a two under par 70 that left him five shots behind the leader Michael McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown)

“Played well over the opening 18 holes but I didn't hole enough,” said Richard who will defend his Ballyliffin Pro-Am title on July 23-24.

“I was out earlier on day two and the greens were perfect, I managed to roll in a few more.”

The 34-year-old quickly narrowed the gap on in the early stages of round two, firing a flawless five birdie front nine that saw him reach the turn in 32 shots.

He added further birdies at the 10th and 11th – a run of five birdies in a row - dropped shots at the 13th and 15th but hit back with an eighth birdie of the day at the 16th.

“The birdie on seven really got me going. I rolled it in from around 40 feet and it gave me some momentum,” added Richard.

“The birdies at eight, nine, 10 and 11 were all from inside 10 feet. The bogey on 13 was a result of a poor shot. I three-putted for bogey on 15 but hit a good eight iron into 12 feet on 16 and holed that one for birdie.

“I thought one of leaders might reach 10 or 11 under and I was simply trying to keep them honest. I was a bit surprised when I came in to find I was in the lead.”

Overnight leader McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown) carded a second round 73 to finish in a tie for third alongside Robert Giles (Greenore) on six under par.

Padraig Dooley (Drive Golf Performance) swept to victory in the team event, leading his amateur partners to a two-day total of 197 points.