McGrane retains Cork Pro-Am crown

Damien McGrane fired a five under par round of 67 to successfully defend his Cork Pro-Am title on Monday.

The Kells man finished one shot ahead of David Higgins (Waterville Links) with Mark Whelan (Castlewarden Golf & CC) and Ciaran Molloy (Ardee) two shots further back.

Last year, the 46-year-old shared top spot with local favourite Denis O'Sullivan, but he left nothing to chance this time around. He went to the turn in a bogey-free four under par 32 and came home in one under 35 – a round that included a hat-trick of birdies at the par threes.

It's not the first time this season that Higgins and McGrane have shared first and second at a PGA in Ireland event – the duo have dominated the competition scene this summer.

Beaten into second this time around, David at least edged out his father Liam to victory in the team competition.

David and amateur partners Andrew Daly, Andy Daly Jnr and Aidan Moynihan finished the day with 96 points and claimed first prize courtesy of a better last six holes.