Grant pips Gribben in playoff to win PGA in Ireland Open Series event

08/09/2023

Clandeboye’s Nicky Grant overcame Ryan Gribben in a playoff to win the PGA in Ireland Open Series in Douglas Golf Club.

Both players were tied on seven-under-par after 36 holes but it was Grant who prevailed on the first extra hole of a sudden death playoff.

Grant shot rounds of 67 and 66 to hit the front before a blistering final round 64 saw Naas professional Gribben catch him after opening with a round of 69.

Sharing third place were Colm Moriarty and Simon Thornton on five-under-par while Liam Power, Steven Quinlan, Damian Mooney, Michael McDermott and Jimmy Bolger all shared fifth place on two-under.

Gribben was pleased to share the lead with Grant having dropped just two shots all week and was without a bogey from the fifth on day one as he shot a bogey-free 64.

"Sixteen and definitely the last were very important," said Gribben. "They changed the course from a par 72 to a par 70 so the last is usually a par five, a tricky flag and hit a good 7-iron to three feet and tapped it in. I hadn’t been looking at the scores but I knew I had to get the putt to get to seven and it was the same as Nicky.

“Held a few par putts that were more crucial than the birdies. Held a big putt for par on the first and if that doesn’t go in maybe the round goes slightly different but other than that I putted really well. I was solid all round the course suits me it’s what I grew up with in Warrenpoint, treelined and tight with small greens so I was comfortable.”