Andrew McCormack:
CASTLETROY’S Andrew McCormack got off to an incredible start before hanging on for a one-point victory in the second Eanna Jones-sponsored Mid-West Alliance outing of the season at Athenry.
The plus-two Munster interprovincial racked up a fine 38 points to edge out Glenlo Abbey’s Gary Madden by a single point, holing a 70-foot putt for birdie on the first before hitting a wedge stone dead at the second to get off to the perfect start.
He eventually turned in oneunder, but after following a birdie at the 10th with a bogey at the 15th, he made a birdie three at the index-one 16th and got up and down for pars on the last two holes to top the 38-strong field in a three to four-club wind that gusted to 50 kph.
Galway veteran Joe Lyons recorded 34 points, coming home in one-under par to claim the top prize in the over 45’s category.
Athenry’s John Whelan fired a terrific 33 points to win the category for four to nine handicappers by two points from Woodstock’s Cormac Walshe, who snatched second place on a last-six countback. Mid West Alliance, Athenry Golf Club Category 0-3: 1, Andrew McCormack +2 (Castletroy) 38 pts; 2, Gary Madden scr (Glenlo Abbey) 37. Category 4-9: 1, John Whelan 4 (Athenry) 33 pts; 2, Cormac Walshe 4 (Woodstock) 31 (back 6). Over 45s: Joe Lyons +2 (Galway) 34 pts. Next outing: March 2, Nenagh. Call 067 31476 to reserve tee times.