McGrane powers to Royal Curragh success

Damien McGrane is unstoppable at the minute.

The Kells man won his fifth tournament in a row on Thursday at the Royal Curragh Pro-Am sponsored by Newbridge Silverware.

Damien's six under par round of 66 gave him a one shot advantage over Simon Thornton (Simon Thornton Golf), David Higgins (Waterville Links) and Brendan McGovern (Headfort GC).

The 46-year-old clearly enjoys playing at the Co Kildare venue. In 2015 he carded a nine under par 63 on his way to victory and Thursday's success was his third win in a row at this particular event.

With a shot gun start in operation, Damien began his round at the par five first, and was out of the blocks quickly with a birdie. He bogeyed the second but added three more birdies on his front nine to be out in three under 34.

On the way back he collected three further birdies to sign for a back nine of 32 and a six under total.

Ardee's Brian Kerley and amateur partners, Tom Muldoon, Kieran Grant and Brian Duffy won the team prize with 94 points.