Ronan Mullarney booked his place in next month’s NI Open when he came out on top in the Modest! Golf Northern Ireland Amateur Open at Galgorm Castle.

The Galway international was in sensational form, carding rounds of 67 and 66  to win by three shots on nine-under-par 133 from Forrest Little’s Jack McDonnell (68, 68) with Galgorm Castle's Michael Reid (70, 67) a shot further back. 

Reid’s better afternoon card edged out Ardglass’ Adam Mulhall (68 ,69), who also finished on four-under 137. Mulhall continued his great form of late just days after reaching the semi-final of the North of Ireland at Royal Portrush.

Mullarney hit the front after his opening 67 and went on to shoot the best score of the afternoon too by going one better for his 66 to win comfortably.

“Keep it out of the water, the rough, the trees and hole a few putts,” the plus four handicapper said of his strategy.  

Having started on the 10th, Mullarney covered the back nine in four-under 31 before picking up a sixth birdie of the afternoon at the par-five ninth, his final hole.

Mullarney was part of the International Palmer Cup side that lost to the United States at Evian Resort in France two weeks ago and is now looking forward to teeing it up with the professionals at Galgorm Castle when the NI Open takes place from August 16-19. 

“The invite to the NI Open was the main reason for playing here today," he said. "I really wanted to play in a professional event this year and I’m delighted to secure my place in the NI Open.”

The Paddy Harrington scholar at Maynooth University will now seek out Jordan Hood, fellow Maynooth scholar and Galgorm Castle member, for some extra practice at the Ballymena venue in the coming weeks.
   
“I might have to get a few more games here with Jordan," he said. "The course really suited my eye and I knew yesterday that I liked the place. It’s not a million miles from my home coursee.

“I’ll play the South and the Close and some club golf, Senior Cup and Barton Shield between now and the NI Open. I actually have a college assignment to do as well. I’m doing a Masters in Strategy and Innovation. It’s going ok, the golf is going better than the studies.”

Entry to the NI Open is free, simply register online at www.niopen.golf. 

Northern Ireland Amateur Open at Galgorm Castle Golf Club, Ballymena

Detailed scores

133 Ronan Mullarney (Galway) 67, 66)

136 Jack McDonnell (Forrest Little) 68, 68)

137 Michael Reid (Galgorm Castle) 70, 67, Adam Mulhall (Ardglass) 68, 69

141 Stephen Watts (Cairndhu) 72, 69

142 Jonathan Gourley (Shandon Park) 71, 71

143 Adam Barr (Ballymena) 71, 72, Max Kennedy (Royal Dublin) 71, 72, Marc McKinstry (Cairndhu) 69, 74

144 Marc Norton (Belvoir Park) 70, 74

Past Winners – Northern Ireland Amateur Open

• 2017 Colin Fairweather (Knock)
• 2016 Jamie Fletcher (Warrenpoint)
• 2015 Tiarnan McLarnon (Massereene)
• 2014 Aaron Grant (Dundalk)
• 2013 Dermot McElroy (Ballymena)
• 2012 Cormac Sharvin (Ardglass)
• 2011 Ciaran Molloy (Ardee)
• 2010 Reeve Whitson (Mourne)
• 2009 Simon McConnell (Ballyclare)