Laytown and Bettystown’s Alex Maguire narrowly failed with a 30 foot eagle putt to force a playoff and finished third in the Mena Golf Tour’s Egypt Golf Series event at Address Marassi Resort.
The former Walker Cup star, who carded a career-low, nine-under 63 to take the first round lead, went into the third and final round a shot behind former Ryder Cup player Chris Wood after a second round 70.
In the end he birdied three of his last six holes on the final day to finish a shot outside a play-off between Wood (71) and his English compatriot Charlie Crockett (69) on 12 under.
Wood birdied the first play-off hole to win.
“It was almost a grandstand finish at the end, so it’s a little disappointing because I really tried to win today,” said Maguire, who won $7,000.
“Standing over that 30-footer on the last, I’ve made eagles before to win championships as an amateur, so I thought I might do it again.
“But look, I made birdie, hit a great second shot and gave myself a chance.
“All in all, I’m pretty pleased. That’s two top-tens in two weeks, so hopefully over the next couple of weeks a win will come.”
Wood, who had to make a 12 footer for birdie at the last to tie with Crockett, paid tribute to the quality of the golf played in the final group.
“It was great playing with the two lads I was paired with because it really came down to the three of us,” he said.
“I said to Lloydy on the 12th, ‘What’s the situation?’ and he told me it was between us three.
“That gave me real clarity – I just had to beat the guys in front of me. We had a great battle, and to be fair Charlie and Alex both played really well coming in.”
The victory moves Wood back to the top of the MENA Golf Tour Rankings, leapfrogging Italy’s Ludovico Addabbo who finished in a share of 22nd at two under par.
Maguire is 11th in the rankings with Paul McBride 76th, Jack Madden 79th
Article Link: Maguire finishes third in Egypt Golf Series event - News - Irish Golf Desk