Brendan McGovern stole the limelight on the third and final day of the €15,000 Great Northern Hotel Pro-Am but still had to settle for a share the winning prize with two of the top professionals on the Irish circuit.
The Headfort pro put on a dazzling performance to cover the Bundoran links in six-under 64 to match Wexford’s Damien McGrane and Damian Mooney from Laganview on a three-day six-under 204 total.
McGovern, who seemed a little surprised with his low round, reached the turn on two-under before reeling off four birdies on the back nine:
"I have played only four games since November but I played well today. The putting was good even though I left a couple short at the 16th and 17th," explained McGovern after completing the Silver Jubilee event.
Mooney made a late charge with four birdies in the last five holes during his second consecutive 66. He went for the grandstand finish, demonstrating the touch side of his game by almost holing his sand wedge approach at the par five 18th. The ball narrowly missed the cup for eagle and the outright win.
McGrane had his chances to win but will count the cost of a dropped shot at the 15th. Nevertheless, it was still a double triumph for the Challenge Tour player, who also steered his three amateurs to victory in the team event with 259 points.
Final Scores; par 70:
204- B McGovern (Headfort) 71,69,64; D McGrane (Wexford) 68,70,66; D Mooney (Laganview) 72,66,66.
206- G Loughrey (Knockbracken) 68,70,68.
210- L Robinson (Donegal) 73,70,67;
212- G McNeill (Royal Portrush) 71,71,70;
216- S Kirkpatrick (Ardee) 72,73,71;
218- S O'Grady (Black Bush) 71,74,73;
219- E Logue (Hilton) 75,76,68;
221- V Teague (Moyola Pk) 79,71,71; R Lawless (Greystones) 79, 72,70;
223- D McQuillan (Co Sligo) 73,73,77.
Team:
259pts- D McGrane (Wexford) with B Scallon 11 (Wexford), E Hopkins 18 (Wexford) & J McGinty 22 (Bundoran) 86,85,88.
258- H Jackson (Donabate) with P McGahon 6, J Duffy 22 & R Davies 16 (all Ardee) 90,82,86
256- S Donnelly with B McEniff, jun. 13, P McEniff 16 & P Maguire 14 (all Bundoran) 79,93,84.