Irishman Sharvin strikes it lucky at Brabazon
Cormac Sharvin needed the luck of the Irish as he secured victory in the Brabazon Trophy on Saturday.
Requiring a par on the 72nd hole to keep him one shot ahead of fellow countryman Gavin Moynihan, the 22-year-old misjudged his approach on the 18th hole at Notts Golf Club, with his ball striking the clubhouse and bouncing back into play.
For golf equipment releases and reviews CLICK HERE
“It came out so hot,” explained the University of Stirling student. “I actually was going to go one club more, but I hit a smooth seven and it came out too hot. Luckily it bounced out.”
Had the ball stayed in the shrubbery around the clubhouse, Sharvin would have suffered a penalty drop, losing his lead over Moynihan.
‘It just means the world to me to get over the line’
Sharvin had risen to the top of the English Amateur Stroke Play leaderboard with a six-under par 66 on Friday. With Moynihan sitting in the clubhouse, having finished his final round at five-under par, Sharvin knew only a two-under 70 would secure the title.
“It just means the world to me to get over the line,” said Sharvin, who this week changed his putter and technique. “I have given myself so many chances this year, to finally get it done. I played so much better yesterday and today was a bit of a grind.”
“Me and Gavin are good mates, so I’m sure that’s given me bragging rights.”
For news from a golf club near you CLICK HERE
With GB&I Walker Cup captain Nigel Edwards watching on, the victory will have strengthened Sharvin’s claim for a place in the team for September’s event.
Second-placed Moynihan, of The Island, shot three birdies and an eagle on the front nine to play himself into contention.
He started the day in 20th place and said he hadn’t expected to be challenging for the title, adding: “Obviously I would have liked to have been in a play-off, but I have no regrets. I’m delighted for Cormac, he has been knocking on the door for ages and he was due a win. I couldn’t be more happy for him.”
For more superb competitions and giveaways CLICK HERE
The leading Englishman was Paul Kinnear, of Formby, he signed off with 69 to tie for third. Having recently recovered from injury, he said: “I’m made up, it’s a massive confidence boost. I’ve got a good result and that will push me on to the end of the year.”
The Brabazon Trophy is hosted by England Golf and supported by Your Golf Travel.
National Club Golfer and Lady Golfer are the official media partners of England Golf.
For more golf news, discussion and videos follow @NCGmagazine on Twitter, like us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube video channel, and sign up to our newsletter
