CONDREN & EAKIN CROWNED CHAMPS

Alan Condren and Tracy Eakin were crowned the Whirlpool Irish Senior Men’s & Women’s Amateur Close Champions after an exciting day of matchplay at a testing Enniscorthy Golf Club.

Condren faced Gary Cullen in the Men’s Final after despatching treble-chasing Joe Lyons (Galway) 3 & 2 in his morning semi-final, with Cullen knocking out leading qualifier Karl Bornemann (Douglas) thanks to a 2up win on 18.

Condren got off to a quick start in the final to give himself a 3up cushion at the turn, but Malahide’s Cullen battled back reducing the deficit to one within a matter of holes.

Condren responded getting to dormie 3up. Cullen’s driver deserted him in the middle of the back nine and another wayward drive, this time out of bounds, on 16 resulted in a quick handshake from Cullen on the tee box, a 4&2 result, and Condren was champion.

“Absolutely chuffed, delighted. It’s a good honour, it’s the second Irish championship I’ve won so really over the moon. Wasn’t expecting much when I came in during the week but I played really solid so yeah quite happy” said the Irish international after his win.
Tracy Eakin of Dooks defeated defending champion Deirdre Smith of Co. Louth 3&2 in the Women’s Championship Final.

“Absolutely thrilled. I haven’t been playing great golf all year. When I didn’t do well in the British, I selected this event to try and get my act back together. I practiced hard and it just shows that it pays off”, said Eakin.

Leading qualifier Eakin booked her place in the afternoon’s final courtesy of a 5&4 win over Laura Webb (Royal Portrush), to set up the finale clash with Smith who had defeated Suzanne O’Brien 2&1 in her semi-final.

In the championship decider, Eakin raced into a 4up lead through the opening six holes, but the defending champion fought back to reduce that lead to 2up at the turn.

This advantage remained intact up to the Par 4 16th, before Eakin launched a fantastic drive followed by a pinpoint approach to a matter of feet. Smith failed to get up and down for par, conceding the hole and with it her title.

Photo: Condren & Eakin with their Senior’s Trophies. (Photo by Gerry Ruddy)