Sligo duo win nationals

from the players. Sean Flanagan who is also another Sligo local and playing with DCU was in favour of the competition’s format. He said: “It levels the playing field for the guys who wouldn’t be playing as much golf because it comes down to the last six holes and anyone can have a good six holes and still win it,” said the 2016 North of Ireland winner.

Following the introduction of a nine-hole sprint event to the schedule last year, the sixes tournament adds another dimension for student golfers. In total, 30 different pairings took to the fairways. Divided into five groups of six, each pair was slated to play five matches, three of them on the opening day.

The tournament concluded with a six-hole shootout, providing each team with 36 holes over the two days.

Bonus points are awarded based on the standings in each group and are added to each team’s six-hole gross stableford score over the final six holes to determine the winner.

Sean said: “It’s quirky, there’s something about it. It’s the right time to do something like this. It’s a bit of craic as well.”

A champion in traditional formats of golf, Sean sees much value in the alternative.

“It felt a lot shorter than a normal round of golf,” he reflected.

“You’re playing three matches in the one day but it’s one round of golf. It didn’t feel like we had played 18 holes.”

Irish Student Sixes Tournament - Prizewinners; Winners: David Brady (MU) & Cian Feeney (MU) - 22

Runners-Up: Ross Steedman (MU) & Alan Fahy (MU) - 19

Best Nett (Final Six) : Luke Flynn (TCD) & Darragh Walsh (TCD) - 13

Best Gross (Final Six) : James McVicker (UU) & Stefan Greenberg (UU) - 12.