Ebihara’s generous to a tee

Generous Seiji Ebihara became the first man to make a successful defence of the AIB Irish Seniors Open title when he closed with a two under par 70 for a two-shot win over England’s Denis Durnian at Adare, Co Limerick.

The 53 year-old from Japan, making his first competitive appearance since becoming a grandfather in March, won last year’s title when he birdied the last two holes at Powerscourt.

And this time he also had to call on all his reserves to overcome a spirited challenge from Durnian in winds gusting up to 20mph, before picking up the €45,000 cheque - of which he gave €10,000 to local children's’ charities.

The Japanese golfer started the final round one shot behind Scotland’s Mike Miller but moved into a share of the lead with the Scot when he birdied the 386-yard par four third hole and then moved ahead when Miller recorded a disastrous triple bogey six on the 205-yard sixth.

Ebihara produced a further birdie on the 164 yard par three 11th but relinquished his two shot advantage when he dropped shots on the 13th and 14th before firing late birdies on the 16th and the 18th to pip Durnian on an eight under par aggregate of 208.

Durnian himself closed with a near flawless 69 to produce his best placing since winning the richest prize in European Seniors Tour history at last year’s Wales Senior Open at Royal St Davids.

That gave him a six under par aggregate of 210 and a two-stroke advantage over England's Jim Rhodes, Americas John Grace and local hero, Christy O’Connor Jnr.

Ebihara said: ‘‘This means a great deal to me. I was delighted to win last year and it means even more now that Ive done it again.

‘‘I love it over here in Ireland. The people are so warm and friendly and that's why I have decided to give some of my prize to charity. I feel that is the least I should do.’’