Mullarney comes up trumps in Mullingar Scratch Cup

A talented Galway golfer once again highlighted his huge potential last weekend by securing victory in one of Ireland’s major golfing events. Ronan Mullarney, a Salthill native, has elevated himself to the ranks of the likes of Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry who all have also won the prestigious Mullingar Scratch Cup in the past.

Mullarney won the trophy by an impressive five strokes having led the chasing pack for almost the entire weekend. His superb short game display was one of the highlights of weekend in an assured display from the Galway Golf Club member. His game is more meticulous in approach than most where he prefers to use clear precision rather than bombing powerful long drives displayed by many top golfers these days.

Despite intense pressure from the chasing pack and the odd scare along the way, the 20-year-old, still produced a composed performance to rival any amateur player on these shores right now. “Yeah there was always a bit of pressure but I was kind of more interested in what I was doing than anybody else. There’s not much I could have done about anyone else so I just looked after myself and let everyone else look after themselves,” Mullarney said.

Weather conditions also made things more difficult for the young talent but clever course management saw him win comfortably on a 10 under par round for his first major individual amateur title. “I had heard there was going to be very bad rain the afternoon of the last day but that nevermaterialised. It was a bit blustery. I thought the course really suits my eyes off the tee, I don’t know why that is but I thought that last year as well for some reason,” he said speaking about the Mullingar course.

This isn’t the young hopeful’s first title. He won the Irish Senior Cup last year with his college and won the Galway Scratch Cup two years ago. He also won the Irish Boys Under-17 title four years ago and if last weekend is anything to go by, Mullarney will be adding plenty more titles in the future.

He is coached by his father Tom who became a qualified golf instructor 14 years ago. He spoke of how from a young age his son had a love affair with golf. “I was playing a lot of club golf and Ronan would come along with plastic clubs when he was around three or four. And then when I became an instructor, I built his clubs and I still build his clubs and I was teaching him from then on.”

Full coverage in this week’s Galway City Tribune