Finch hoping to make another splash

GIVEN the long list of illustrious names to feature on the Irish Open trophy over the years, 2008 champion Richard Finch isn’t likely to unduly stir the imagination.

However, the manner in which he played the treacherous par five 72nd hole at Adare Manor 12 months ago will live long in the memory of all those present and the hundreds of thousands watching on television. The Englishman tumbled into the River Maigue after playing his third shot on to the green and was up to his chest in water when eventually helped to safety.

The fact that the shot came off has earned the 31-year-old from Hull something approaching legendary status on the European circuit, not least among the caddying fraternity.