The PGA in Ireland circuit returned to the newly revamped Limerick Golf Club on Friday where Kilkenny Golf Club professional (but Carlow native!!) Jimmy Bolger turned back the clock and produced a bogey-free, seven-under 65 to share victory with Colm Moriarty at the Limerick Golf Club Pro-Am.
Bolger, who began his round on the 10th, birdied his first and third holes, then added two more on 17 and 18 to turn at -4, and picked up three more strokes – on three, seven and eight – to card what he described as a round where he “didn’t get in my own way.”
Moriarty’s scorecard was distinctly similar – seven birdies and a bogey-free round of his own – but four of the Glasson Lakehouse man’s birdies came on the front and three on the back, giving Bolger the better back nine for countback purposes.
Bolger’s impressive performance was as much of a surprise to himself as anybody, because, by his own admission, things hadn’t been going well for him of late.
“I’ve been playing absolute crap lately,” he said. So what did he do differently in Limerick? “I went back to an old putter and didn’t get in my own way, simple as that, you know.” added Bolger with a grin.
When asked when the last time he shot a bogey-free round with seven birdies thrown in, he was at a loss to recall.
“God knows, it’s a long time. I’m 58, so I can’t remember what happened last week,” he joked. “But look, I’m hopefully going to play a little bit better. I have a few other events in the next couple of weeks, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Jimmy has been a staple part of the PGA circuit for decades, and one thing you are always guaranteed is a smile and a joke from him. Golf, however, can be a thankless game and he admits it’s the pure love of competition that continues to drive him forward.
“I don’t really do social golf, but I love competitive golf,” he explained. “I absolutely love it. And this is a lovely golf course. The last time I played here was back in the Munster Boys in the early 80s, so I hadn’t a clue where I was going, but the lads I was playing with were telling me ‘hit it there’ and for some reason it was going where they told me to hit it.
“I’m absolutely delighted. I’m thrilled. I know I won in Kilkee last year, but when you’re playing crap and it’s in your head, it’s hard to see the end of it, but today, I managed to turn it around and shoot seven-under to win, it’s a great feeling”
Paul Eivers of Cahir Park took solo third at -6, with Cormac Sharvin, fresh off a successful defence of his title at The K Club Pro-Am in fourth at -5, and Michael McGeady and Steven Quinlan sharing fifth at four-under.
A special mention must go to all at Limerick Golf Club, especially general manager Pat Barrett and the main sponsor for the day Mike Kemmy from Kemmy Stonecraft Awards for putting on a great event. The evolution of the golf course after recent upgrades is excellent, and Limerick is a must-visit if you haven’t been for a few years.
FULL SCORING
