Gary Murphy is edged out at Portmarnock Links
GALWAY’S Joe Lyons shot a four-under 67 to win the gross as former Irish Amateur Open champion Gary Cullen edged out ex-European Tour player Gary Murphy for the nett in Tuesday’s TaylorMade Winter Series at Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links.
With only a gentle breeze to trouble the 71-strong field under a bright blue sky, the big Beaverstown man beat Murphy on a countback thanks to a stunning homeward run of 31 to the Kilkenny man’s 34.
Cullen bogeyed the first but holed his second shot for an eagle at the second and followed a one-over outward half with a four-under-par back nine featuring four birdies and no bogeys.
Murphy showed fledgling professional Stuart Grehan and former Ryder Cup star Des Smyth that he can still play a bit as he also carded a three-under-par 68 — the first bogey-free round this year.
Elm Park’s Chris Cosgrove shot a 70 off four to take the third nett prize.
He was three over par after four holes but recovered well, coming home in level par as plus-two handicapper Cathal Butler just missed out on a prize despite carding a one-over 72.
Galway stalwart Lyons had the best score of the day, a four-under 67, to claim the gross by two strokes from Bangor’s Patrick Small.
The Offaly man made six birdies — at the fourth, sixth, 13th, 14th, 16th and 18th — with his dropped shots arriving at the fifth and 15th hole.
Kevin LeBlanc made four birdies and three bogeys in a one-under 70 to take third place.
Other scores included 72s for Stuart Grehan and Damien McGrane and a 73 for Des Smyth.
Based on the continued success of the TaylorMade Winter Series, TaylorMade and Portmarnock Links have decided to increase the weekly prize fund.
TaylorMade Winter Series, Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links (Par 71):
Nett: 1, Gary Cullen (pro) Beaverstown 68 (B9:31); 2, Gary Murphy (Pro) Roganstown 68 (B9:34); 3, Chris Cosgrave (4) Elm Park 70. Gross: 1, Joe Lyons (Galway) 67; 2, Patrick Small (Bangor) 69; 3, Kevin LeBlanc (Unattached) 70.