Coughlan conquers Cork to take Munster Stroke Play as Costello claims Girls’ Amateur Open

CHAMP AGAIN: Paul Coughlan won the Munster Men's Stroke Play Championship, Cork Golf Club, Cork. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher

Paul Coughlan became the 100th name on the C2O Group Munster Men’s Stroke Play Amateur Open Championship trophy as the Castleknock golfer produced an incredible comeback victory at Cork Golf Club.

With the 75-strong field that teed up on Saturday morning reduced to just 31 by Sunday, it was the Westmeath native who battled back to secure his second Munster Men’s Stroke Play win in a tense finish on the Little Island course.

The final day began with Adam Fahey (Portmarnock) setting the pace, rounds of 66 and 68 putting him at ten under par, two shots clear of Conor Stapleton (Westport) and five ahead of Coughlan.

The third round saw the leaderboard tighten significantly, as Coughlan signed for an impressive bogey-free 67 to take a one-shot lead into the final round. Stapleton carded a 71, while Fahey slipped back with a 73, leaving the pair tied for second.

After seizing the advantage, Coughlan looked to build on his momentum early, carding back-to-back birdies on 2 and 3. With Fahey taking double bogeys on both 7 and 9, Coughlan moved two shots clear thru his nine holes.

“It was kind of the same as two years ago, I might have been five or six shots behind going into the Sunday,” said Coughlan.

“I said go out and make a few early birdies here with the way the course sets up. Lucky enough I was able to birdie the first three holes, get back in it straight away and then had a little lead coming in the back nine so I tried to play smart but safe coming in.” “I know where to hit drivers and where not to hit drivers, it suits my eye,” said Coughlan.

“It’s play aggressive as possible until you don’t need to. Coming in I laid up a little bit just to get the job done.” Having secured a four-shot victory at this event in 2024, Coughlan drew on his championship winning experience to keep the chasing pack at bay. He remained steady throughout the back nine as he parred his way home to seal a two-shot victory and write his name into the history books at Cork Golf Club.

“I was told I was three ahead coming down 14 so I said unless one of the lads do something pretty special, five pars will do it. Lucky enough it was,” said Coughlan.

“It was good, I love coming to Cork. It’s a great place to play golf. I’ve had a rough couple of months so nice to turn a corner this weekend.” Meanwhile Fahey finished second in the standings on eight under par and picked up the U-25 Bruen Shield.

In the professional ranks, Shane Lowry made the most of an early tee time to turn in a sparkling closing round at the Cadillac Championship in Florida. 

The Offaly man started the closing round in Doral well down the field but carded by far his best round of the week, a blemish-free 7-under 65 which featured seven birdies and 11 pars. It was enough to catapult Lowry nearly 30 places up the leaderboard at the lucrative signature event. US Ryder Cup star Cam Young looked on course to complete an impressive victory.