PRO-AM GOLF

The 40-year-old opened his campaign on Saturday with a level par round of 72 over the Glashedy Links which earned him a share of third place alongside Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge).

The leader after the close of play on day one was Delgany’s Mark Staunton who signed for a four-under par 68, giving him a two shot lead over David Higgins (Waterville Links).

Mark’s opening round included a blistering run over his front nine which included three birdies and an eagle as he went to the turn in five under 30.

Simon turned the tables on day two. His five birdie, one bogey round on the Old Links was the best score of the day and saw him leap-frog Higgins (70) and Staunton (72) into first place.

“I putted quite well on the opening day and managed to hole nothing but on the second day I made a few, that was the main difference,” said the Newcastle, Co.Down based professional.

“My play off the tee wasn’t great but I found a few greens, rolled in a few putts and just about got over the line.”

Mark Staunton did at least return south with the team prize as he guided his amateur partners – John Grant, John McDermott and Charlie Duffy – to victory with 181 points.

Ballyliffin Pro-Am Sponsored by Desmond Motors, Silke Whiskey & Monte Rei GC

1 S Thornton (Simon Thornton Golf) 72/67 ; 139 (-4)

T2 M Staunton (Delgany GC) 68/72; 140 (-3); D Higgins (Waterville Golf Links) 70/70; 140 ; (-3) 4 R Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) 72/71; 143 (lvl); 5 C Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance Ltd) 75/69; 144 (+1); 6 T Rice (Limerick GC) 74/71; 145 (+2); T7 B McElhinney (North West GC) 73/74; 147 (+4) ; D McGrane 78/69; 147 (+4); E Brady (Clontarf GC) 74/73; 147 (+4); A Betts (Wynyard GC) 74/73; 147 (+4).