Defending champion David Higgins took advantage of a late double bogey by Eamonn Brady to cruise to a three-shot win in the PGA Irish Club Professional Tournament at Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club.

The 44-year old from Waterville bogeyed the 17th but was still a shot ahead of Brady playing the dangerous 18th. And had enough in an adventurous par-five to sign for a second successive 72 and retain the trophy with ease.

Brady opted for a two iron for accuracy on the 18th tee but after electing to hit it off the turf, he topped it into the marsh and took seven, carding a 75 to share second place with Colm Moriarty (72), Richard Kilpatrick  (72) and Brian McElhinney (73) on level par.

“I was delighted with that today,” said Higgins, who had one birdie on the par five fourth, and one bogey on his way to a three-shot victory at the Carr Golf and Citroen sponsored tournament. 

“With it being so windy there was disaster around every corner so I kept it steady and kept the big numbers off my card.

“It was a great couple of days, fantastic weather and a spectacular setting for the course which was set up tough. It played a bit 'linksy' which was right up my alley and considering the course set-up and the high winds I was delighted to shoot level par.”

Overnight leader, Adam Dunmore, slipped out of contention after a tough front nine and eventually finished in a share of 34th.

PGA Irish Club Professional Tournament,  Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club (Par 72)

Sponsored by Carr Golf and Citroen

Detailed scores

144 David Higgins (Waterville Links) 72 72  

147 Colm Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance Limited) 75 72, Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) 75 72, Brian McElhinney (North West GC) 74 73, Eamonn Brady (Clontarf GC) 72 75 

148 Tim Rice (Limerick GC) 76 72, Mark Whelan (Castlewarden Golf & Country Club) 75 73, Steven Quinlan (Halpenny GC) 75 73, Mark Staunton (Delgany GC) 74 74