Lester wins in Illinois as Fletcher is best of the Irish in Wales
HERMITAGE’S Rowan Lester completed a wire-to-wire win in the NAIA Individual National Championship TPC Deere Run in Illinois.
The Dubliner overcame tough conditions and closed with a final round 74 to win by three shots on three-over 287.
The Hermitage international stormed in front with a two-under 69 on a windy opening day, then added two 72s to lead by one with a round to go before closing out a three-stroke win with a grinding 74 in tough conditions.
“I didn’t play that well, but I chipped and putted amazingly,” Lester said. “From number nine to 14, I think I had four one-putts and many of those were to par.
“That kept me in it. I stuck to what I could hit well, and my putting was just amazing all week.”
The 21-year-old is one of 10 Irish players entered for the Brabazon Trophy, which begins today at Woodhall Spa.
No fewer than 18 of the Walker Cup squad is in action, with The Island’s Paul McBride the only Irish absentee as squad members Alex Gleeson, Colm Campbell, Conor O’Rourke and Robin Dawson are joined by Colin Fairweather, Conor Purcell, John Ross Galbraith, Kevin LeBlanc and Tiarnan McLarnon.
McBride had hoped to be competing in this week’s clashing NCAA Finals in Illinois but Wake Forest failed to qualify.
Meanwhile, Warrenpoint’s Jamie Fletcher was the best of the Irish in the Welsh Open Stroke Play at The Vale Resort.
He finished tied 26th on nine over par, 22 shots behind runaway winner Gian-Marco Petrozzi of England.