O'Hanlon is new Irish Close champion

Paul O'Hanlon from The Curragh is the new Irish Close champion after defeating Dara Lernihan from the Castle inyesterday's final, at Belvoir Park in Belfast.

O'Hanlon, a plus-three 23-year-old handicapper, won the title at the second tie-hole where he went ahead for the first time in the final as he carded a par four to Lernihan's bogey five.

Lernihan turned three-up but lost the short 11th to par and the 13th but went back to 2 up with birdie at 14 before the slide began. O'Hanlon then won the 17th and 18th in birdie-par to take the final into extra time.

In the morning semi-finals, O'Hanlon was four down to Andrew McCormick (Scrabo) after just seven holes but again fought back to win seven of the next 11 holes.

He clinched victory with par on the 18th green where McCormick three-putted. In the other semi, Lernihan had a much easier victory over Cian Curley (Newlands), winning by 4&2.