Galway golfer Joe Lyons and Belvoir Park’s Gail Linter took home the Irish Senior Men’s and Women’s Amateur Close Championships at Kilkeel on Friday evening.
Karl Bornemann (Douglas) won the Irish Veteran Men’s Amateur Close Championship and it was Sheena McElroy (Grange) who claimed the Irish Senior Women’s Amateur Close Plate.
Lyons and his good friend Eddie McCormack (Galway Bay) set up a massive final when they defeated David Mulholland (Castlerock) and Jim Carvill (Banbridge), respectively, in the semi-finals.
Lyons got in front early in the decider and was 2up heading down the back nine, he moved to 4up with five holes remaining and sealed his 5&4 win with a short putt on 14.
“I was under a bit of pressure this week. I was a bit down in the Order of Merit, and our European team is to be selected after this week,” said Lyons.
“I’m delighted, I was +6 after nine in the stroke play and I thought I was on my way home, it’s always nice to win.
“A special mention for Eddie, we battled long and hard down the years and we’re the best of friends and best of rivals as well. Today was my day but I certainly wouldn’t have won all I have won if it wasn’t for Eddie.