Lyons and Linter crowned champions in Kilkeel

Galway golfer Joe Lyons and Belvoir Park’s Gail Linter took home the Irish Senior Men’s and Women’s Amateur Close Championships at Kilkeel on Friday evening.

Karl Bornemann (Douglas) won the Irish Veteran Men’s Amateur Close Championship and it was Sheena McElroy (Grange) who claimed the Irish Senior Women’s Amateur Close Plate.

Lyons and his good friend Eddie McCormack (Galway Bay) set up a massive final when they defeated David Mulholland (Castlerock) and Jim Carvill (Banbridge), respectively, in the semi-finals.

Lyons got in front early in the decider and was 2up heading down the back nine, he moved to 4up with five holes remaining and sealed his 5&4 win with a short putt on 14.

“I was under a bit of pressure this week. I was a bit down in the Order of Merit, and our European team is to be selected after this week,” said Lyons.

“I’m delighted, I was +6 after nine in the stroke play and I thought I was on my way home, it’s always nice to win.

“A special mention for Eddie, we battled long and hard down the years and we’re the best of friends and best of rivals as well. Today was my day but I certainly wouldn’t have won all I have won if it wasn’t for Eddie.  

“We push each other on, we both had quite a bit of success down through the years. I’m sure he’ll bounce back and he’ll win plenty more.”

Leading qualifier Deirdre Smith (County Louth) advanced to the final of the Irish Senior Women’s Amateur Close thanks to a narrow win against Lisa Cullen (Killarney) while Linter had the same 2&1 victory over Tracy Eakin (Dooks).

It was an enthralling final and when Linter missed her chance to seal the win on 18, she battled back and won with a birdie on the first extra hole.

“I can’t believe it, I wasn’t expecting it,” said Linter.

“I’ve come on the Seniors a few years ago but I would never have expected this in my wildest dreams.”

Bornemann had a comprehensive win over Hugh Smyth (Mourne) in the semi-finals while David Brabazon (Balbriggan) was taken to extra holes by Patrick Madigan (Tramore). In what was another epic final, Bornemann finally grinded out a 3&2 victory.

Fionnuala Halpin (Dun Laoghaire) booked her place in the final with victory over Shirley Real (Castletroy) and McElroy got the better of Carol McEnroe (Headfort). And it was McElroy who won 1up in the final.