O’Sullivan the toast of Galway golf after Irish Open display

Date Published: 03-Jul-2012

Declan Tierney

The eyes of Galway Golf Club members were firmly fixed on one of their own during last weekend’s Irish Open at Royal Portrush as ‘local lad’ Mark O’Sullivan performed exceptionally well in the biggest tournament of his professional career.

It was an incredible achievement for him to make the cut in an event that included some of the world’s top 20 golfers, but to post a four under par first round made it extra special for the Galway golfer, whose family live in Clybaun.

As top pros like US PGA champion Keegan Bradley, two-time European tour winner Matteo Manassero and world number 36 Nicolas Colsaerts fell by the wayside, O’Sullivan was safely through to the weekend as he posted a level par second round.

Weather conditions worsened on Saturday with some of the leading players tumbling out of contention, and it was also tough for O’Sullivan who shot a six over par round of 78.

However, a level par round on Sunday morning which included five birdies was enough to earn him a cheque for well over €5,000 and delighted his many friends and fans back in Salthill.

Tom Nolan, Captain of Galway Golf Club, said that it was a major achievement to qualify for the Irish Open, but to make the cut was extra special.

“As far as I am concerned, he is the best amateur golfer to emerge from this golf club into the professional ranks and we are all proud of what he has achieved.

“When he was a member of Galway Golf Club, he was a very dedicated player and represented the club with distinction. We are all delighted that he has done so well and hopefully this performance will be the stepping stone to even greater things,” Nolan added.

His four under par round on Thursday was probably the highlight as he recorded back to back birdies on the 5th and 6th and again on the 10th and 11th. And even when he bogied the 14th, he recovered with another birdie on the par five 15th.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.