Surprise victory for Fahey at Kinsale

Kenny Fahey shocked everyone, including himself, by winning the Kinsale GC Pro-Am sponsored by Hyland Security Systems.

The head professional at the GUI Academy carded a two-under-par round of 70, the only competitor to break par at the parkland venue in Co Cork.

The 31-year-old began his round at the 10th and dropped a shot at the par three 11^th. However, back-to-back birdies at the 14th and 15th saw him make the turn in one under 34. He maintained his steady play on the back nine, recording eight pars and one birdie at the 214 yard par three 10th.

“I was a little surprised to finish at two-under on a course that wouldn't normally have suited my style as it was pretty tight off the tee. It was playing pretty firm, but the greens were exceptional,” said Fahey who has grabbed a week's holidays to compete on the PGA in Ireland circuit.

“Since taking up my new role at the Academy I have not been playing as much and I suppose my expectations have been lower so I'm delighted to claim the victory.”

Monkstown professional, Cian McNamara, finished alone in second place on two-over-par.

Winner of the PGA Challenge Pro-Am at Carton House, McNamara, who also began at the 10th, went to the turn in level par 35 with birdies at 13 and 18 cancelled out by dropped shots at 13 and 15. Two more bogeys at the second and third were offset by a birdie at the sixth as he came home in one-over 38.

The team prize went to Mark O'Sullivan, the second win in as many days for the Piltown Driving Range professional.