Our 16th tournament saw the Waterford Crystal Celtic Harp won by the American team of Steve Woram and the Celtic Shootout won by Mike Burress and Chris Elliott. Well known and respected former football star and current NFL on Fox sports analyst Daryl Johnston, very kindly donated his time to provide the color commentary for the final four. Special thanks to our sponsors Aer Lingus and JetBlue, Roisin Fitzpatrick–Artist of the Light, Golf Vacations Ireland, Jim Vincent, the Kennedy brothers, and One Stop Sign Shop.
Unfortunately, Tommy Gallagher was unable to be with us this year, due to knee surgery. He was superbly represented by Paddy Shanahan and Nick Gallagher who brought the Irish together for a tremendous tournament. Our most special thanks go to Co-Chairs Michelle Anderson and Chris Carrie.
A record 12 Irish teams played with 10 American teams creating the largest alternate shot shootout in the history of the Irish American Cup Challenge shootout. For the Americans, Lindsay Brown and Steve Woram made the only par on hole #17 to advance to the final hole. The Irish team of Eamonn Cregan and Tony Condon bested John Fitzpatrick and David O’Donovan in a chip off to advance for the Irish. On #18 both teams were in trouble off the tee but the Irish took five to reach the green and the American team of Lindsay Brown and Steve Woram were conceded their five for the win. This marks the fifth year in a row with an American victory.
In the other shootout of the day, a total of eight teams began play on hole #16 for the Celtic trophy. The teams of Chris Elliott/ Mike Burress, Doug Kramp/Marvin Coffman, Tom Donovan/Frank Leftwich, and Andy Welch/Mike DeNicola survived the playoff and played on in the shootout to the par four 17th. On the par 4 18th, the final teams of Chris Elliott/Mike Burress and Tom Donovan/Frank Leftwich hit fabulous tee shots into the center of the fairway. Chris Elliott hit his approach shot to about 20 feet below the hole, while Tom Donovan just missed the green with his approach short in the apron of the green. Donovan’s partner, Frank Leftwich hit a gorgeous chip to within three feet of the hole to save their par. However, Mike Burress calmly sank a 20 foot birdie putt on the final green to secure the team victory in the Celtic Shootout. Congratulations to Chris Elliott and Mike Burress for their final hole birdie to win the Celtic Shootout!
