Paul McGinley won his third Smurfit Irish PGA Championship in Westport today after officials were forced to reduce the event to 54-holes because of impossible playing conditions on the Mayo course.
McGinley was the overnight leader on six-under 213 following yesterday's eight-under 65 to lead Ashbourne's John Dwyer in second by three shots. Philip Walton was a shot further back in third.
"When I came off the course last night it had crossed my mind that the event could be cut short because of the conditions," said McGinley.
"These are the worst conditions I have ever played in, in any tournament," explained the Dubliner who has played all over the world and experienced many different climates.
The 34-year-old agreed with the decision to reduce the event, "It's as bad as it can get with wind, rain and hailstones thumping down here today."
McGinley won his first Irish PGA title in 1997 before claiming his second at Co Louth in 2000. Des Smyth, winner at Castlerock 12 months ago, didn't get a chance to challenge for his seventh National title. In any event, the Drogheda veteran may have been too far back on two-over.
Some of the early starters had started their round before play was suspended for several hours mid morning. Officials decided to try again at lunch but after only 30 minutes of play it was decided to stop the event without the leading groups starting at all.