Clarke & Keelan’s Solheim Story

September 19, 2019September 23, 2019 / niall@corkgolfnews.com

Simon Keelan and Roy Clarke ready to go at the Solheim Cup on Friday

The Solheim Cup is over for another two years, and while it was a great weekend for ladies golf with an exciting win for Team Europe, there was a Cork link with two of the team caddies coming from Douglas. Roy Clarke and Simon Keelan are long time tour caddies on the LPGA and LET tours. The pair played junior golf together on several Mahon and Douglas teams, and while they were back together in Gleneagles, they were on opposing sides. Clarke was on the bag for US star Jessica Korda while Keelan was working with Europe’s Caroline Masson. Not only were the pair on opposing teams, in a strange coincidence their golfers faced up against each other in the opening foursomes on Friday, and again in the singles on Sunday. They were both winners of sorts, Korda won the two head to head matches and Europe won the overall title, giving both Keelan and Clarke something from the showpiece event. Keelan is back caddying after a spell working in the exclusive Hogs Head resort in Waterville, and the Douglas man was delighted that Masson was selected for the pinnacle team event in Ladies Golf. “I’m not sure where to start, I came over with the team five weeks ago when the picks were Continue reading →

Munoz wins in Spain with Keelan on the bag

September 25, 2016September 25, 2016 / niall@corkgolfnews.com

Azahara Munoz of Spain and her caddie celebrate in the terrace overlooking the course

Caddy Simon Keelan celebrates with Azahara Munoz after winning the Costa del Sol Open, Aloha Golf Club, Marbella, Spain 22-25 Sept. Picture: Tristan Jones/LET

Spain’s Azahara Munoz came from behind to win the LET Costa del Sol Open this weekend, with Corkman Simon Keelan caddying for the LPGA and LET professional.

It was a great turnaround for Munoz, who finished last of those who made the weekend at the Evian Championship last weekend. Keelan has spent much of the summer caddying for the Spanish pro who has earned in excess of $5m in her six years on tour. Munoz went into the final round one shot behind Beth Allen, after losing her 36 hole lead. It looked as if Allen would run away with the tournament at one point when she was three ahead but a few unforced errors from the US golfer brought Munoz back into contention.

“Aza was very relaxed during the round, similar to all week really.” said Keelan speaking on Sunday evening after the tournament. “It’s amazing when you think she had the weight of a nation’s expectations on her shoulders and no previous Spanish winner. At the start of the day, after Allen’s back nine yesterday (-5, 31) I felt we needed a fast start and probably a 68 to get it done. Allen went Continue reading →

Munoz on top in Spain, with Cork’s Keelan on the bag

September 24, 2016September 24, 2016 / niall@corkgolfnews.com

simon-keelan-sept-2016_1 Azahara Munoz leads the Costa Del Sol Open after the first 36 holes, an she has Corkman Simon Keelan on the bag with her. Keelan has spent much of the summer caddying on the Ladies European Tour. Last week the pair were in action in the Evian Championship in Paris but it was a disappointing week as Munoz finished down the field. This week she bounced back on home soil and led the field after a second round 66. Keelan was seen on Sky Sports looking Continue reading →