O’Hara books place in PGA final

Motherwell’s Paul O’Hara made an ideal start to his career as a PGA professional by booking his place in the Titleist and Footjoy PGA Professional Championship final in Republic of Ireland.

The final takes place at the Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club near Dublin between June 13-16.

Paul won the Scottish qualifying event at Ladybank Golf Club in Fife, representing North Lanarkshire Leisure, just a week after qualifying from the PGA assistant ranks.

O’Hara dominated the event and carded a three under par round of 68 to beat Michael Patterson from Kilmacolm Golf Club into second spot by three shots.

They will join eight other qualifiers for the £78,000 final.

O’Hara admitted he got off to a shaky start – collecting a bogey at the third hole, with his first birdie coming at the fifth – but in the end he was the only player to go under par.

He said:“This is the first time I’ve been able to play in the event – I graduated last week!

“It was the first time I had played the course. It was tough and the wind was swirling, so it was hard to trust your club.

“The course was fiery and the greens were like lightning. I managed to get three birdies on the back nine and that kept me well clear of having to play off.

“I felt I would be able to qualify this time as I’ve been playing well for a while now, and I have just carried on from last year.”

O’Hara has been with North Lanarkshire Leisure since July.