Higgins Keeps PGA in the Family

David Higgins - Getty Images

David Higgins crowned an all conquering year in the Irish PGA region by capturing the Irish PGA champioship at Mount Juliet and underlined his ranking as the number one player on the circuit.

He beat 22 year-old assistant professional Noel Murray from Massereene by birdieing the third hole (the par 5 17th) with an immaculate pitch from 87 yards to two feet.

Kilkenny native Gary Murphy also made the sudden death play-off with all three finishing on seven under par for the reduced 54 hole event, but he dropped out after he parred the first hole(17th) to birdie by the other pair.

The pair then halved the second tie hole (18th) in par and returned to the 17th where Murray made a marvellous attempt at birdie, his sand shot rimming the hole after he hit his difficult pitch into sand.

The 39 year-old winner from Waterville, who fired a best of the day final round of five-under-par 67 to reach the play-off, said it was the fulfillment of a boyhood dream to lift the trophy that his father Liam lifted in 1983.

"I remember looking at the trophy as a young lad and saying it would be lovely to win it.I tried for a long time to win it and did it today and I'm just delighted."

But he took time to salute his fearless young rival Murray. "He's one for the future. Keep an eye out for him."

There was a two hour delay at the start of the day due to frost and fog.

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Brady and Murphy in Martin Chase

Getty Images

Peter Martin still held the lead as the morning starters completed their second rounds at the Irish PGA Championship at Mount Juliet but it was down to one shot on six under par after a sharply fluctuating round.

Joint second overnight Eamonn Brady shot two-under-par 70 to the leader's 71 to be his closest challenger, along with Gary Murphy who carded a round of 69, with Noel Murray a further shot back on 140, carding another 70.

The 35 year-old leader got to nine under after 27 holes as he saw off a brilliant start by David Higgins who is on the brink of being crowned the Irish Order of Merit champion. The Waterville man had a hole in one on the par 3 third and birdied the next to move to five under.

Martin playing alongside him and former Ryder Cup star Philip Walton, claimed four birdies on the first nine, as he outshone him, with Higgins reaching the turn in two under, as he chalked up two bogeys and another birdie.

Both players lost their sparkle and struggled on the back nine, culminating in a very disappointing finish for Higgins, running up a triple bogey on the last for level par.

The leader had a double bogey on the 13th where he hit water and also bogeyed the last which was playing long into the wind.

He put down his slump on the back nine to not playing much this year but was content with his score. "I would have taken it before I went out" he said before heading for the practice range "to hit a few balls and get my rhythm back and take it into tomorrow."

Brady, his closest challenger, described his 70 as a "lot more solid" than his opening 69, containing three birdies and one bogey. The previous day he had an eagle and five birdies, but also a double bogey and two bogeys.

Irish PGA Championship Leaderboard

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Connor Mallon Funeral Arrangements

The PGA Irish Region has announced the sudden death of Narin & Portnoo head pro Connor Mallon, aged 35.

A statement read: "It is with great sadness that we have heard of the sudden death on Thursday 15th March of Connor Mallon.

"Connor was one of the best players on the Irish Circuit, winning many times including the Irish Club Professional Championship in 2004 at Enniscrone Golf Club.

"He tended in more recent times to play less in order to focus on his family and full-time job as club professional at Narin & Portnoo. He joined the PGA as an Assistant in October 2002.

To his wife Shauna, children, parents, brothers and close friends we extend sincere condolences."

His funeral will take place in Fahan Church at 1.00pm on Sunday March 18th 2012.

Home Address: 18 The Rectory, Fahan, County Donegal.

#ConorMallonRIP

Death of PGA Pro Connor Mallon

There has been widespread sadness in Inishowen this morning following the death of former Ballyliffin Golf Club professional, Connor Mallon.

The father of four from Fahan was found dead in his hotel room at the Nesbitt Arms, Ardara on Thursday.

The traditional St Patrick’s Day “drive in” at the famous Inishowen golf club has been cancelled tomorrow as a mark of respect for their former member.

Since the news emerged yesterday evening tributes have been pouring in from all over Inishowen and the wider golf community. 

#ConnorMallonRIP