Ireland’s Kevin Phelan is €80,000 richer after just missing out of Joburg Open title

"Almost" will be the word circling around the head of Kevin Phelan after a courageous showing at the Joburg Open this weekend.

The Waterford golfer carded a final round 66 but could only finish in joint second spot after losing out to winner England's Andy O'Sullivan by two shots. The disappointment was twofold for the 24-year-old as the circumstances of his finish also meant he missed out on qualification for the British Open. Instead,  David Howell and Anthony Wall, both of whom were part of the five who finished joint-second, were rewarded with places at St Andrews based on their superior world ranking. “I was just plodding along the first three days, but got the putts to drop (in the final round) and gave myself a chance,” Phelan said after his performance in the final round which included eight birdies. “I’m delighted with the way I played and it was nice to have a chance coming in." The promising, young Phelan can put the tournament down to a learning curve, and a very profitable one at that.