Published: Wednesday, 2nd September, 2009 9:45am

Some Turkish delight on the menu

Ashbourne golfer Fran Meehan may be in line for some Turkish delight after he qualified for the final of the Virgan Atlantic PGA National Pro-Am Championship, one of Europe's biggest pro-ams.

Meehan made it through to the final along with Ashbourne professional John Dwyer following their impressive display in a qualifier at Laytown & Bettystown, when they shot 10 birdies.

The Ashbourne pair recorded a 10-under-par 61 to finish three clear of host professional Bobby Browne and Bryan Collins.

Now Meehan, who is a nine handicapper, and Dwyer are preparing to take part in the final at the Antalya Golf Club in Turkey next December with up to £30,000 going to the winning pair.

Those taking part in the final will complete over 36 holes against players from 15 other clubs from throughout the United Kingdom. As part of the trip the Ashbourne golfers will also stay in the Sirene Beach and Hotel Resort with all expenses paid.

Last year Dwyer took part in the same competition with another Ashbourne golfer Shane O'Brien who lives a few doors down from Meehan in the Meath town.

Meehan, who works in insurance, said that getting to the final was his biggest achievement to date in his golfing career. He added that it also gives him some valuable bragging rights over his near neighbour.

"In the build up to the qualifier there was a bit of fuss about it down at the club and it was a hard act to follow, but John was great and played really well," he said.

"Shane, my neighbour only lives nine doors down in the same, so I'll be making sure I stop by so he knows I've made the final."

Dwyer and O'Brien were defeated in the final last year by Forest Pines from Lincolnshire and the Ashbourne club professional will be hoping to go one better this time around.

"I was second last year and once you've experienced it you want to go back," said Dwyer.

"The better ball format is one where you don't quite know what it's going to bring, but it's certainly a target to win."

The PGA Pro-Am Championship is being staged for the 25th time and is being sponsored for the first time by Virgin Atlantic.

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