RAYMOND BURNS discharged his professional duties in exemplary fashion yesterday to lead in the winning team in the Smurfit Pro-Am at Slieve Russell. With Burns representing The K Club, the victorious line up included none other than the tournament sponsor, Michael Smurfit, who contributed to a fine total of 83 points in wretched weather.

Charlie Mulqueen, of Limerick County, and the former Kildare footballer Pat Mangan, completed a line up which achieved a three stroke margin over four teams on 80 points. A breakdown gave second place to the team led by Celbridge professional, Simon Bryne.

Highlight of the winning card was a return of seven points at the 196 yard seventh, which was playing directly into the wind. There, Mulqueen hit a three wood to 15 feet and sank the putt for a birdie two, net one, while Mangan, who was also receiving a stroke there, had a net birdie.

Burns, who shot a 78, started and finished with a birdie, and Smurfit, making a return to the game off a handicap of 22, completed his round with a net birdie at the 18th. The other pair also contributed handsomely to a particularly strong homeward journey, with Mulqueen carding net birdies at the 15th and 16th.