By DARAGH SMALL
Roscommon golfer Cian O’Connor held on at the death for a special win as he claimed the Connacht Men’s Open Stroke Play Championship by one shot in Galway Golf Club.
The 22-year-old was cheered on by his family, as they celebrated at the club where his relatives Christy O’Connor Snr and Christy O’Connor Jnr learned the game.
O’Connor, who has just returned following his junior year at University of Memphis, shot a blistering 65 to close out his weekend on -3, one stroke ahead of David Reddan (Castleknock), to secure his first men’s victory.
“It is special. This is where golf started. My family, my great uncle and great great uncle, all played here and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. It’s just a good place to win,” said O’Connor.
“They definitely were big inspirations for me. Growing up and getting into golf and looking up to them and wanting to be like them definitely pushed me on and gave me something to work towards. They’re still doing that because I have a long way to go.
“We stayed with my auntie and uncle last night which was handy. I didn’t have to drive as far and then my sister was down this morning and my dad came up then and my grandparents as well.
“Big, big crowd for support and I appreciate them.”
Reddan and Dwayne Mallon (Dungannon) were tied for the lead on -3 at the beginning the third and final round, and it was the Castleknock golfer who pushed on initially.
Reddan moved to -4 with a birdie on the first but he bogeyed the Par 5 12th and another bogey on 16 left him chasing.
Meanwhile, O’Connor took his chance and after a wonderful front nine, which included three birdies, he added another birdie on the 12th.
Five pars were to follow, including two brilliant up-and-downs on 16 and 17 and even though he almost came unstuck on 18, where he had to hit a provisional off the tee, O’Connor found his ball and left with a precious bogey.
“I don’t know what or how I was feeling because the biggest thing was just finding the golf ball,” said O’Connor.
“I knew it should be findable because of the line it was on and I pulled driver for that reason. Just covered the biggest danger and just make sure that it was findable for a second shot and I did find it.
“After I finished out, I tapped in just to get the ball in the hole and be done and then I look back and see where David was. He was on the fairway, probably had a wedge in. You can’t count anyone out.
“And I’ve played with David before and he’s a good putter. So it wasn’t done until every group was in really. Nervous signing and stuff and just didn’t know what was going to happen.
“This is one of my best days on the golf course.”
View the final scores here
