Chris Selfridge enjoys impressive finish at NI Open

Castledawson's Chris Selfridge racked up another solid Challenge Tour finish at Galgorm Castle but he cut a frustrated figure after signing for a final round 69 that left him in a tie for 11th.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Jul 2016, 22:23 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:49 BST
Chris SelfridgeChris Selfridge
Chris Selfridge

“I played my best golf of the week today, and finished with 16 pars and two birdies. I just kept burning the edge,” said the 24-year-old.

“It was just one of the those days and was a disappointing end to the tournament.

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“I really didn't play that good this week and I putted so well to be where I was this week and then the opposite happened today.

“I hit a great putt on the last and it just burned the edge. It's so frustrating but it's another good week. I did great on Thursday to shoot even par and progressed from there. I'm disappointed, yes. but at the same time it is a good week.”

At the other end of the age spectrum, the 45-year-old Damien McGrane posted a final round 68 to finish one shot ahead of Chris in a share of ninth.

“It was lovely to play, I enjoyed the course and the weather was pretty good. The course was set up very well,” said Damien who is playing most of his golf on the PGA in Ireland circuit these days.

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“It's also great to see the spectators here every day. It encourages the younger professionals who maybe aren’t as used to playing in front of such good crowds.

“Galgorm really done itself proud. Apart from the money, it’s still weak, the tournament was very well run. The organisers put their heart and soul into it, as they do every other year. It was pleasure to play.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Englishman Max Orrin, who finished tied for second after a final round 65.

“It's a shame for the event it is only a 170k prize fund. I think it deserves a lot more,” said Orrin.

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“It has the greatest crowds, the best stands and everyone is so friendly. It is more of a European Tour event.

“It's a shame for the event and the locals that the prize fund isn't more. It's a great event and I think for the tournament itself, for the way that it is set up, it deserves to be more.”

Orrin has mixed Challenge Tour events with European Tour appearances without making much of an impact on either tour as he chases a full tour card.

He added, "I started pretty slow and haven't played many Challenge Tour events but weeks like this help. I got out the blocks fast and holed some great putts so I'm really happy.

"I wasn't expecting the scoring to be so low but nine under is some score from Ryan.

"Fair play, he deserves it."

Related topics:IrelandPGAEnglishman