MAX KENNEDY PREVAILS AS GALGORM CASTLE GOLF CLUB HOSTS FALDO SERIES NORTHERN IRELAND QUALIFIER
(Belfast, Northern Ireland – August 5th 2019): Talented Irish junior golfer, Max Kennedy, has won the Northern Ireland Boys Qualifier event of the 2019 Faldo Series Europe calendar, securing a return to Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club, Abu Dhabi for the Europe Grand Final in November.
The event saw a talented international field head to the esteemed Galgorm Castle Golf Club – the first venue to host the PGA EuroPro Tour in Northern Ireland from 2010 to 2012 and The Northern Ireland Open (Challenge Tour) in 2013 and 2014 – where Kennedy overcame a strong field to win by six shots over three rounds.
This par-72 championship golf course is set within 220 acres of mature parkland in the grounds of one of Ireland’s most historic demesnes, including remnants of the Irish fort of the McQuillan clan. The 7,105-yard layout is bordered by the rivers Main and Braid, which come into play on numerous occasions and include a magnificent oxbow.
Max Kennedy (Under-18) started the third and final round tied at the top of the leaderboard with Morgan Tournemire who shot a superb four-under par 68 in his second round. Tournemire, however, ended his chances of lifting the trophy, with a final round score of 74 (+2) to finish in second place. Kennedy, who made eleven birdies across the three rounds, remained in total control and shot an impressing four-under par 68 to finish six shots clear of Tournemire. Englishman Sam Linskey had a creditable championship, finishing on a total score of three-over par to finish in third position overall.
Commenting after his win, Max Kennedy, said: “I drove the ball very well in the final round which enabled me to have a number of birdie chances, of which I made three. It was also nice to make an eagle on the third hole to get me to three-under par through three holes. My chipping and putting were both very consistent throughout the event which is always a huge help. I played in last year’s Grand Final at Al Ain and I’m even more excited to be going back this year to try and play as well as possible and hopefully win!”
David McAleenon wrapped up the Under-21 category after impressive rounds of 70, 77, 64 (+5). Jude Kane won the Under-16 division to also secure his place at Al Ain.
Matthew Faldo, Faldo Series Director, commented: “Galgorm Castle Golf Club is one of Ireland’s finest parkland layouts and it’s a pleasure to host the Northern Ireland qualifier here. Many congratulations to all division winners, especially to Max on a total score of five-under – he played some very impressive golf. I’m looking forward to seeing all three division winners at Al Ain in November for the Grand Final.”
Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching thousands of junior golfers each year. Past winners include Major Champion Rory McIlroy, Eddie Pepperell, Matt Wallace, Danny Willet and former Tour Pro, Nick Dougherty.
Leading final scores:
Boys’ Under-21:
David McAleenon +5
Jack Kane +18
Boys’ Under-18:
Max Kennedy -5
Morgan Tournemire +1
Boys’ Under-16:
Jude Kane +31
Lenardo Benussi +49
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