JUSTIN ROSE CAPITALISED on world number one Dustin Johnson’s final-round capitulation to win the WGC-HSBC Champions by two shots.
Johnson looked destined to become the first player to win three World Golf Championships titles in the same year at Sheshan International Golf Club, where he started the day with a six-shot lead.
The American let his commanding advantage slip on Sunday, though, carding a five-over 77 to finish tied for second with Brooks Koepka and Henrik Stenson on 12 under.
Rose took advantage of Johnson’s woes, raising his game on the back nine to overcome an eight-shot deficit and claim his first title of the year courtesy of a five-under 67 to finish 14 under.
The Englishman was six shots off the lead at the turn, but came up with five birdies in his last eight holes to claim an unlikely victory in Shanghai – his first since being crowned Olympic champion last August.
Greystones golfer and 2017 British Masters champion Paul Dunne meanwhile clocked a final round of 79. He had a strong start but slipped on day two as he fell from from a tie for eighth to a tie for 22nd.
He finished the tournament one over and tied for 38th after a disappointing day on the green.
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The Celtic tigers
Limerick Layabouts
The Tullow Tanks – made up entirely of Sean O’Briens offspring
The Flying Columns
The Galway Hookers anyone?
The Leeside Langballs.
Corkonian langers.
The navan numptys
who cares gridiron isnt wanted here
Ignoring the irony of you reading a story about a sport you allegedly don’t care about, it’s worth pointing out that, to a growing number of people, it is very much wanted here.
Exhibit A: The 50k people who turned up in the Aviva last September to watch a college football game.
Exhibit B: The GAA and others extensive moves to get an NFL game played in Croke Park.
Exhibit C: The Irish American Football League has a record number of teams and players taking part this year.
But you don’t like it David, so obviously nobody else in the country does.
Completely agree
The Blarney Bailouts
Newry mighty ducks
The Dingle Dolphins surely.