Champions Tour NewsMark McNulty paid tribute to his fellow senior Des Smyth after his victory in the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am on his Champions Tour debut at the weekend.
The Zimbabwean native, who now competes as an Irish citizen, became eligible for the lucrative seniors tour when he turned 50 last October. But unsure of where to ply his trade, McNulty's mind was made up after he spoke to Smyth at the Dunhill Links Championship last year.
"Des had a lot to say to me at the Dunhill Links Championship last year. He said, 'Mark, you've simply got to come and play here, it's too good to miss'," said McNulty, who by coincidence qualified for the tour in the same impressive manner as Smyth did 12 months previously: both gained their cards by winning the Qualifying School. Which means McNulty has a 100 per cent strike rate in senior golf: two outings, two wins.
The adopted Irishman picked up the $240,000 winner's cheque after rounds of 67, 65 and 68 gave him a 13-under-par aggregate to win by a single shot from American Larry Nelson.
Smyth and Eamonn Darcy finished well down the field, tied 46th and 64th respectively.
"I'm delighted it all came together so soon. I got the win under my belt quicker than I had anticipated. It's a magic feeling," said McNulty.
Asked if he had been quietly confident going into the tournament, McNulty was typically modest. "I've never been a great one for harping on about my game, but I knew I was playing well enough and if all aspects of my game worked together I'd have a chance."
It was McNulty's first win in America, and "that's why it ranks highly from a personal viewpoint", said McNulty, who has won over 50 tournaments worldwide since turning professional in 1977.
If this type of form continues, McNulty, in theory, could be considered to represent Ireland in team events, like the World Cup for example. "In theory I'm eligible, but in reality I very much doubt it. I think it's best left to the youngsters like Padraig (Harrington) and Paul (McGinley). I've been there and done that and it's the right time for me to concentrate on the Champions Tour," he said.
