Derry-based golfer Brian McElhinney defied poor weather conditions yesterday to clinch the PGA Irish Assistants’ Championship title at Nuremore, Co Monaghan.
Brian McElhinney
The Foyle Golf Centre assistant survived a nervy finish before defeating Dara Lernihan at the second play-off hole to claim the title.
Elm Park assistant Lernihan produced a super final round of 69 to draw level with McElhinney on five-over-par 289. It was only the second sub-par round of the championship after the turbulent weather of the week, Enda Maguire posted the first with a morning third round 69.
Both parred the first play-off hole but the Derry golfer clinched success at the par five second hole with a brilliant birdie, playing a superb drive and equally excellent five iron to the green, 15 feet from the flag to get down in two putts.
Because of a water hazard on the way to the putting surface, Lernihan lagged up to 10 feet but agonisingly missed his birdie putt.
This is McElhinney’s second all-pro tournament win of the season. He also took the PGA Irish Club Professionals’ Tournament, at Dundalk, in June.
