Gary Ward scooped the Kinsale Senior Scratch Cup yesterday, but only after the winner was decided on the 19th after a play-off.  It’s a fourth scratch cup for the Kinsale man, but it’s the first since 2017 and will no doubt be a welcome return to the winners circle.

After a gap of a year, the Kinsale Scratch Cup returned, and the organisers had a strong field assembled.  And thanks to the club and sponsors ODC Advisory they also had an attractive prize pot on offer.  With fine weather in Kinsale, the scoring was expected to be low but the 7,000 yard championship course proved to be a good challenge for the 50+ golfers taking part.

Ward led the scoring after the first round.  He shot a two under par 70 and was alongside Karl Bornemann on -2.  Shane Kenneally and Zak Collins both shot level par.  In the afternoon there just two golfers under par again, Ben Murray and Shane Kenneally both shot one under (-1).  It was a slow start for Ward on Saturday morning, he was two over after seven holes.  He added four birdies though, on 8, 9, 17 and 18 to finish on 70.  In the afternoon he shot a 74, and again it was a slow start after a double bogey on the 5th.  He recovered and although he bogied the 17th, a birdie on the 18th would be crucial in getting him into a play-off.  Eric Rumley faced Ward in the play-off after shooting 73-71.  Ward won the 19th and took the title.  Ben Murray took third place on +1 and Jack Egan was fourth on +2.  It was a day to remember for Paul Tobin too, the Douglas member had a hole in one on the 216 yard 11th hole.

Leading Scores
144 Gary Ward
144 Eric Rumley
145 Ben Murray
146 Jack Egan
147 Paul Tobin
147 Cathal Butler
147 Mark Shanahan
147 Andrew McCormack
148 Dave Reddan Jnr
148 Kieran Lynch
148 Keelan McCarthy