McElhinney victorious at Nuremore

Brian McElhinney snatched the PGA Irish Assistants’ Championship title as poor weather conditions continued into the final round at Nuremore.  

The Foyle assistant produced a nervy finish before shaking off Dara Lernihan to claim the title. Well out in front after three rounds, Elm Park assistant Lernihan produced a super closing 69 to catch the leader on five-over-par 289.

It was only the second sub-par round of the championship after the turbulent weather of the week, Enda Maguire posted the first with a morning third round 69.

McElhinney and Lernihan both pared the first play-off hole but the Donegal man clinched success at the par five second hole with a brilliant birdie. The winner played a superb drive and equally excellent five iron to the green, 15 feet from the flag. He then got down in two stabs for his birdie.

Because of the water hazard on the way to the putting surface, Lernihan lagged up to 10 feet but agonisingly missed his birdie putt and McElhinney tapped in his to take the title and the silverware.

This is McElhinney’s second all-pro tournament win of the season. He also took the PGA Irish Club Professionals’ Tournament, at Dundalk, in June.