Forde drives to victory in Leinster Matchplay

Darren Forde (Navan Pitch and Putt Club) won the Leinster Junior Matchplay at Inniskeen at the weekend when he battled back from three down inside the first four holes in the first round against the Kilkenny matchplay champion. 

He progressed confidently through the second round and then got the better of Navan's Jimmy Burke on the final three holes in the quarter-final.In the semi-final he was four down after the 17th of 36 holes against Navan's Danny Fitzpatrick. 

Undaunted, he won six of his next eight holes to dramatically turn it around to go to the final which he wrapped up quickly for an impressive victory against Richie Walsh (Trim).

He won the Meath matchplay in Navan the previous week and has now won three titles in the past two seasons. His grandmother, Pearl Forde, who was former president of Navan Pitch and Putt Club and won many accolades in the women's game over the years and Darren seems to be following in her footsteps.

Niall Winters junior from Trim made it to the semi finals in the senior grade.