Thornton tames Carne Links
Sunset over the 17th at stunning Carne Golf Links in Belmullet, Co Mayo
Freewheeling Tulfarris Golf Resort professional Simon Thornton eased to an eight-shot success at the 36-hole Vermilion Energy Carne Pro-Am.
The Newcastle based professional posted rounds of 66 (-6) and 68 (-4) to streak away from the field, finishing on 10-under-par.
Glasson Golf Club’s Colm Moriarty, Waterville Golf Links’ David Higgins and Banbridge Golf Club’s Richard Kilpatrick finished tied for second on two-under-par.
Tulfarris Golf Resort professional Simon Thornton
“It's a good score. The weather was perfect and we probably got the best of the draw,” said Simon. “The wind blew a bit yesterday (Saturday) afternoon but I don't think it blew so much today (Sunday) but you still have to go out and play the golf. I really didn't make many mistakes bar a couple today which cost me a pair of bogeys.”
Tournament organisers introduced the Kilmore nine to tournament play for the first time on Sunday with the lay-out getting rave reviews.
“It's spectacular, some of the holes are fantastic and I'm sure it will mature and develop over the next couple of years,” added Simon. “What a piece of ground they have. You look around and can picture other golf holes meandering through the dunes.”
Portmarnock Links’ Brendan Walton and amateur partners Sean Gaughran, Michael Gaughran, and James Maguire claimed the team prize with a two-round score of 185 (96/89).
Simon continued; “I have to be honest, I haven't been practising. I have hit a few balls once or twice a week just to keep swinging the golf club. And do you know what, when I tee it up at the minute I am really enjoying it. My mind is much freer and I'm just standing up and hitting the shot in hand.
“This year, because of Covid and stuff there is not so much riding on events in terms of Order of Merit and that sort of thing. It's all about enjoying the golf and getting back out and playing again.”
Vermilion Energy Carne Pro-Am, Carne Golf Links (Par 72)
134 Simon Thornton (Tulfarris Golf Resort) 66 68
142 Colm Moriarty (Glasson Golf Club) 69 73, David Higgins (Waterville Golf Links) 71 71, Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge Golf Club) 72 70;
143 Damian Mooney (Damian Mooney Golf) 71 72, David Ryan (Cahir Park Golf Club) 73 70;
145 Neil O'Briain (Old Conna Golf Club) 71 74 , Richard O'Donovan (Dun Laoghaire Golf Club) 75 70;
146 Brian McElhinney (North West Golf Club) 76 70;
147 Michael McGeady (Evolve Golf Coaching) 78 69, Tim Rice (Limerick Golf Club) 69 78
