Blainroe’s David Lally and Knock’s Katie Poots claimed the silverware in the Ulster Men’s and Women’s Amateur Stroke Play at Shandon Park.
Lally credited a timely putting lesson for his success after he added a stunning four-under 66 to a brace of 71s win by two shots from Belvoir Park’s Darcy Hogg on two-under.
“I went to Gordon Smyth there in Slieve Russell, and it took a bit of getting used to, but I’m starting to see the benefits of it now,” said 21-year-old Lally, who is going into his senior year at Seton Hall University in New Jersey.
In the women’s event, 19-year-old Poots followed rounds of 73 and 69 with a level par 72 to win by two shots from Clandeboye’s Rebekah Gardner on two-under.
“It feels amazing, it builds my confidence a lot and I’m absolutely delighted,” said Poots.
“It was really nice for my Mum and Dad to be able to watch, and a few members from Knock came down, which meant the world. It’s really nice, just so close to home.”
