GAVIN Moynihan carded a final-round 68 to finish nine under par and win the Lookers Championship at Close House by one shot to Dermot McElroy.
The closing stages of HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour season opener effectively turned into matchplay between the two friends who have known each other for much of their careers in both the amateur and now professional ranks.
It was a nip and tuck final round with both holding the lead at one stage but Moynihan (68, 68, 68) edged in front with a birdie at the par-five 17th and saw home the £10,000 victory with a par at the last.
“I am delighted to win,” said Moynihan, who also won a Motocaddy S3 PRO electric trolley, Bushnell Pro X2 Range Finder and Bolle sunglasses.
“It was a good battle there with myself and Dermot. I had a great start to be three under after eight. Then I had bogey at 11 and Dermot had gone birdie, birdie so suddenly from one ahead I was one behind and a little bit shell shocked.
"But I knew I was playing well and the last six holes I played really well – the approach into 18 was probably my best shot of the day.
“Myself and Dermot played GB&I boys teams together and were foursomes partners. We have known each other since we were 14, we are best friends. It made it easier for me because I like to have a chat through the round, so it was probably to both of our advantages.
“My game has been there for a long time but I haven’t really got much out of it but hopefully this is the start of a good year for me.”
McElroy (Ballymena) concluded the tournament on eight under after rounds of 67, 68 and 70 on the par-71 Colt Course. Nick McCarthy (Moortown) provided the closest competition to the top two but his three-under 68 for a seven under tournament score wasn’t quite enough. Six golfers shared fourth place on five under.
Former British amateur champion Garrick Porteous, from Bamburgh, and Hartlepool’s Alex Wrigley were the best placed North-East players on show.
Close House’s Alex Scrimshaw was a shot further back, while Rockliffe’s James Maw finished on three over.
THE Tour event followed confirmation that two promising golfers have won golf scholarships at Close House.
After an assessment day last month, when entrants took part in skills sessions and nine holes of golf, the winners have now won full use of the championship Colt, Filly and Yearling courses as well as a range card.
There are other benefits for Jess Baker (pictured above) and Duran Gun (pictured below), including spending time with Tour star Lee Westwood.
Jess, 14, is from Gosforth Park and is a member of the England Golf North-East regional squad. She won the national Under-16s Open Spring Championships at Hawkestone Park in Shropshire.
Duran, also 14, plays off six at George Washington and has been picked to represent the county in matches as well as forming part of the England Under-16s Regional Squad.
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