John Woodroofe (right) from Blainroe Golf Club is Ireland's first National Putting Champion. He beat Alan Harty of West Waterford in a sudden-death play-off over the par 53 Mount Juliet course on Friday.

Woodroofe, Harty and Bob Loftus of Ennis Golf Club led the qualifiers on level par and played a further nine holes from which Woodroofe and Harty emerged following a spectacular hole in one from Alan Harty on the 25-yard par-three 18th.

Woodroofe claimed the title at the first play-off hole when he had a three to Harty's four. In all, 75 golfers from clubs throughout the country participated in this inaugural event at Mount Juliet's putting course, which was designed by Jeff Howes, who was chief design adviser to Jack Nicklaus when the championship course was being constructed.

The holes on the putting course vary in length from 10 to 36 yards and include par twos, threes and fours. Each hole has its own individual design and features include bunkers and water hazards.