The semi-finals of the West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship saw David Brady’s stunning progression after a gripping day of play in County Sligo. Brady, a golfer from Straffan who has roots in Sligo, bested his younger cousin Aodhagán Brady of Co Sligo and followed this up with a close win over Matt McLean from Malone Golf Club in a gripping play-off. Brady made a spectacular comeback from trailing by three in the 13th hole to take the quarter-finals into a play-off. Buoyed by significant support from Sligo and with his cousin Aodhagán caddying for him, Brady was able to secure the winning putt in a close encounter on the 19th green against the seasoned McLean.
Despite being three up at a point, Brady found himself in a challenging duel on his way back. However, he held his nerves to turn things around, which culminated in an exciting finale on the greens at Rosses. Brady’s golfing skills were on full display once again, leading him to victory in the end.
In other quarter-final actions, reigning South of Ireland champion Colm Campbell was beaten on the 19th hole by Ross Lattimer from Clandeboye. Keith Egan of Carton House, who has been outstanding over the weekend, secured his position in the final day with a convincing 4&3 victory over Evan Farrell of County Louth.
Paul Coughlan from Castleknock also advanced to the next round by marginally defeating Robert Galligan from Elm Park by 1 up.
Monday also marked the commencement of the ISPS Handa G4D at the West, with Brendan Lawlor, the world number two, and Alan Gaynor, the current ISPS Handa Irish Open for Golfers with a Disability champion from County Sligo, participating in the first round of the 36-hole event. With a badge of honour, Lawlor leads the competition after he scored an impressive +3 round of 74, highlighted by an eagle on the fifth hole.
Lawlor mentioned about the lovely weather outside but pointed out that it was quite breezy right from the start. He shared about some ups and downs throughout the game.
He confessed that his start wasn’t great, being +2 after the initial four holes. Despite that, he experienced a high when he scored a ‘eagle’ on the fifth hole. However, his joy was short-lived as he encountered a triple bogey on the seventh, and two more bogeys immediately after.
On completing the front nine, he was +5 but managed to reduce this to -2 for the back nine. Overall, he ended the tournament with +3. Upon reflection, he expressed his delight for his performance.