Shell Pro-Am at Carne Golf Links

With the Irish Open being held at Fota Island Resort later in the week, the Shell Pro-Am was a chance for some Irish PGA Professionals to prepare themselves for the big occasion. For others it was a valuable PGA event. Plus, they were playing an incredible course.

Mark Staunton, who will play in this week's Irish Open at Fota Island, carded a second round 67 to win the Shell Pro-Am at Carne Golf Links. The Delgany GC based professional finished the tournament on 138, four under par, edging out Peter Martin (Colin Park Golf Academy).

Brendan McGovern (Headfort GC), David Ruddy (Cahir Park GC) and Colm Moriatry (Glasson Hotel and Golf Club) finished on two under. Moriarty led over night following his opening round 66, but he struggled on day two, signing for a second round three over 74.

The brutally tough but beautiful 7th hole on the Kilmore 9.
A par three of over 200 yards.

Staunton, a former Irish Order of Merit winner, was tied for eighth at the start of the day's play following an opening round 71. He made a fast start to his round yesterday, with a birdie at the first and added three more birdies on the front nine, going to the turn in four under 31. He dropped a shot at the par three 14th but birdied the par three 16th to come home in level par 36.

Final standings

1 Mark Staunton (Delgany GC) 71/67 - 138

2 Peter Martin (Colin P ark Golf Academy) 71/68 - 139

3 Brendan McGovern (Headfort GC) 72/68 - 140

   David Ruddy (Cahir Park GC)  69/71 - 140

   Colm Moriarty (Glasson Hotel & GC)  66/74 - 140

6 Cian McNamara (Monkstown GC)  70/71 - 141

   Graeme Dunlea (Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort) 71/70 - 141

8  John Kelly (St Margaret's Golf & CC)  73/69 - 142

   Eamonn Brady (Clontarf GC) 73/69 - 142

   Brian McElhinney (Foyle Golf Centre)  68/74 – 142

You'll find the full leaderboard here.

Also in Mayo over recent days - and showing the quality of the county's two links courses - was the Ladies Irish Close Event, played at Enniscrone.