3 days ago
Brendan Lawlor shows class to win his first Irish Open
Brendan Lawlor proved a cut above the rest as he cruised to his first ISPS Handa Irish Open for Golfers with Disabilities in the Gross Stroke Play Division at Roganstown, north Co Dublin.
The 28-year-old carded a second-round 71 to follow up on his opening 68 on Tuesday to finish 13 shots clear of playing partner Cian Arthurs, with James McParland one further back in third.
Lawlor had a steady front nine which included a birdie on the second and even though he bogeyed the sixth, he finished with pars all the way in to finish on three-under after two days.
"I was extremely good from tee to green. I hit 17 greens again today. Struggled big time with my putter, same as yesterday, but I was happy," said Lawlor.
"Cian was on a wee heater at the start, playing some really good golf. I knew I had to just go out and shoot around level par today and get the job done, but I just wanted to go as low as possible. Unfortunately, I didn't do it but I'm delighted to win.
"My game's in really good shape at the minute, I'm not putting pressure on myself to perform. I'm feeling really confident over the ball, and I just feel things can't go wrong off the tee.
"I know I have to work on my putting. I have a big event in a couple of weeks in America at the US Adaptive Open, so if I can go out and strike the ball like that and can get my putting sorted.
"Hopefully, that's a big one I'd love to win."
Caolan Munnelly (Tullamore) won the Sport Class II1 after a second-round 82. Fernando Vega de Seoane (Real Club Puerta de Hierro) claimed the Combined Sport Class. Adam Dalton (The Royal Jersey) won the Sport Class ST1, Arthurs won the Sport Class ST2, and Lawlor was victorious in the Sport Class ST3.
Mark Clougherty (Lambeg) was the winner in the Net Stroke Play and Timmy Moloney (Co Tipperary) won the Net Stableford.
Fiona Gray (St Patrick's) was the champion in the Women's Division after she accumulated 60 points over the two days.
"It's a nice feeling. I haven't had that feeling since we won the Trophy at the Rose Series, so it was very nice," said Gray.
"The weather's been fantastic for us, because last year was a bit of a hit and miss but this year it's been absolutely fantastic. It makes a difference when it's dry.
"ISPS Handa are fantastic, they've given us so much support and the clothing is just absolutely fantastic.
"I feel proud every time I go away and play in events and to have Brendan here this week has been super, super exciting as well."
