Irwin claims Irish Assistants' crown in style

Monkstown GC's Shane Irwin went wire-to-wire to claim the Nuremore Irish PGA Assistants' Championship title.

The Limerick born golfer, heading into his third year of PGA training, posted rounds of 69/67/76/72 (LVL) at the County Monaghan venue to win by five shots.

Gavin Young (Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort) finished in second (+5) with Tara Delaney (Carlow GC) in third, two shots further back (+7).

“I went for a lesson with coach Eddie Doyle a couple of weeks ago and I did feel confident,” said the 24-year-old.

“I didn't expect to win but I expected to do well. The first day was very good. I played some solid golf in round one. The second round was very similar and I managed to pick up a few birdies.”

Shane led Gary McGrane (St Anne's GC) by six shots at the close of play on day one with Ciaran Lavery (Concra Wood GC) in third a further two shots back.

Shane added; “It was tough over the final 36-holes. I had never led a PGA tournament or anything like that.

“I tried to stick to the game plan and hit irons off the tee when others were hitting drivers. I knew they would make some big numbers chasing.”

A quick chat between rounds with his boss at Monkstown, Cian McNamara helped settle Shane following a third-round 76.

“He encouraged me to stick to the game plan, not to do anything stupid and just to go out and play,” added Shane who thanked Cian and the Monkstown members who drove up from Cork to support him.

“That helped me a lot when I played in the last round. I just tried to keep it in play and let the other lads make mistakes.”

The next event on the agenda for Shane is the Birdietime PGA Assistants' Championship at Pleasington Golf Club (July 31-Aug 2).

Nuremore Irish PGA Assistants' Championship at Nuremore Hotel & Country Club (Par 72)

Leading scores

1 Shane Irwin (Monkstown GC) 69 67 76 72 284

2 Gavin Young (Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resor) 74 72 76 67 289

3 Tara Delaney (Carlow GC) 75 70 77 69 291

4 Gary McGrane (St Anne's GC) 75 67 77 74 293

5 Ciaran Lavery (Concra Wood GC) 70 74 77 74 295

6 Stephen Barry (Royal Tara GC) 72 73 73 78 296

7 Eric Byrne (Rathfarnham GC) 79 73 74 72 298

8 Jack Howard (Fota Island GC) 79 71 72 77 299