Cahill takes prize

Twelve months ago Simon Cahill had the distinction of winning the Captain's Prize at Abbeyleix over what was then a nine-hole…

Twelve months ago Simon Cahill had the distinction of winning the Captain's Prize at Abbeyleix over what was then a nine-hole course. Now he has the honour of being the first player to win the Captain's Prize over the new 18 hole course, thus giving him back-to-back Captain's Prize wins. His win in Peter Roger's prize was based on a solid 63 for the first 18 holes, which was five ahead of the second placed player on the day - 11 handicapper Tom Molumby who shot 68. Simon failed to reproduce the same form on the second day, but his 73 was enough to clinch victory. In fact it was a close run thing for the 12 handicapper. Had Tom sank a birdie putt on the 18th - which actually lipped the cup - he would have won the event with a better back 18. The new course at Abbeyleix is to be officially opened by GUI president Paddy Murphy on September 17th.