Pitch and Putt: Historic achievements by Ray Murphy and Ger Ward in National Matchplay

History was made over the June Bank Holiday at Stackallen Pitch and Putt Club when Ray Murphy and Ger Ward won the National Matchplay Championships. Spectators witnessed, arguably, two of the greatest ever players in Irish Pitch and Putt once again win major titles. 

Defending Champion Ray Murphy was 18 under par, for the 32 holes played, when he defeated Paul O’Brien in the Men’s Final. The Corkman became the first man in Irish Pitch and Putt history to win 3 National Titles in-a-row- 2006 Matchplay, 2006 Strokeplay and the 2007 Matchplay. This was Murphy’s 3rd National Matchplay title and his 5th national title in all.

The Ladies Final between defending champion Chrissie Byrne and 7 times National Matchplay Champion Ger Ward was another exciting encounter. Ger was always in the ascendancy and eventually triumphed on the 33rd hole. The Portmarnock lady, in winning her 8th National Matchplay title, equaled the all-time record of the “most Matchplay titles won by a lady” . She now jointly holds this record with Claire Keating and will no doubt be back next year to try to win her 9th.

For further information: Alan Hanlon, PRO, PPUI 01-6251110