McGinley wins Irish PGA

DUBLIN — Paul McGinley claimed his third Irish PGA title when last weekend’s championship at Westport, Co. Mayo, was reduced to 54 holes because of bad weather. McGinley had shot in impressive third round 65 to move three shots clear and was firm favorite for success. However, he admitted that it wasn’t the way he wanted to win.

“It’s a shame about the conditions, it had crossed my mind on Saturday that there could be a cancellation,” he said.

In the absence of both Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke, both missing because of injury, McGinley’s 8-under-par 65 was crucial as he finished clear of club professional John Dwyer in second, with former Ryder Cup star Philip Walton a shot further back in third.

— Mark Jones