Classy Higgins cruises to Shell Pro-Am success

David Higgins (Waterville Links) produced an imperious display of links golf to win the Shell Pro-Am at Carne Golf Links.

The 44-year-old carded rounds of 69/68 (-7) at the Belmullet, Co Mayo venue to collect his fifth win of the season and his second in succession.

David laid the foundations for this latest win with a brilliant opening round of three-under-par 69 compiled in cold, damp and windy conditions.

He was the only player in the field to break par on the opening day, finishing four shots ahead of Simon Thornton (Simon Thornton Golf) and Joe Dillon (Headfort Golf Club).

“That was a good round. There's no point in denying it. I played lovely, holed some crucial putts for pars and made a birdie or two. In those conditions it was really good,” said David.

“I actually enjoy those conditions when par is a good score. I'm used to them growing up in Waterville. Once I had shot that round then it gave me the chance to play steady in round two.”

The conditions eased somewhat for the second and final round which resulted in some improved scoring. Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge Golf Club) surged through the field on the back of a six-under-par 66 that saw him finish in second place. But Higgins was not to be denied and he rattled off a bogey-free four under par 68 to ease to a five shot victory.

The Waterville man also walked away with the team prize, guiding his amateur partners to a two-round total of 186 over the 36 holes.