Damian Mooney was crowned PGA Ulster Champion at Castle Hume yesterday evening after an anxious 15 minutes wait when it appeared a three-way play-off might be needed to decide the £10,000 tournament. Mooney, who began the last day in fourth place and two shots behind overnight leader Geoff Loughrey, posted a final round 70 for a three-under-par total of 141 and a one-shot lead over defending champion Jimmy Heggarty and Leslie Robinson.

The new champion finished just ahead of the last three-ball which featured Heggarty, Robinson and Loughrey and after Heggarty had birdied the 16th hole it was possible he could pick up another stroke to force a shoot-out. Robinson was also very much in the picture after making birdie four at the 14th.

"My game has taken off since I changed from the broom-handled putter to the short ping two weeks ago," said Mooney.