Tim Rice won the opening event of the Munster PGA winter series with a fine three under par 69 in Fota Island today.  The Limerick man took the honours with a two shot win over the field.  Playing on the Deerpark course in Fota, Rice went out in level par, although he birdied the fifth he gave the shot back on the next hole.  He birdied the 10th and then finished strongly with birdies on the 17th and 18th.  Although there was fine weather and only a light breeze, the course put up a tough test with only three golfers breaking par.  David Ryan and John Sugrue shared second place, both finished on a one under par 71.  Munster PGA Captain Cian McNamara was 4th after a level par 70 while Ger Broderick won the over 45 prize.  Shane Irwin won the Assistants prize and the team prize went to Padraig McGrath, Mark Beckett, Stephen Hayes and Davey Barry.

Almost 30 Munster Pro’s turned out for the first event of the season, which was sponsored by Ray Walsh and Acushnet.  Munster Captain Cian McNamara thanked everyone for supporting the event and Ray Walsh for his sponsorship.  He also thanked Kevin Morris from Fota Island and complimented the staff on the quality of the course.  The greens were in great condition as usual and the tightly cut fairways demanded precision.  The second event of the series takes place on Castlemartyr next week and another large attendance is expected.  The series has reverted to a pro-only format with prizes available in three categories in addition to a team prize.

Gallery: Munster PGA Winter Series, Fota Island

Fota Island Prize Winners – sponsored by Titleist Footjoy

(1)    Tim Rice  68
(2)    David Ryan / John Sugrue 70.
(4)    Cian McNamara  71
(5)    Steve Hayes, Donal McSweeney, Billy O’Boyle, Padraig McGrath  72

Over 45’s:   Ger Broderick   74
Assistants:  Shane Irwin     75
Team Prize: Padraig McGrath, Stephen Hayes, Mark Beckett, Davey Barry