Boost for Browne ahead of operation

Former Laytown/Bettystown professional Bobby Browne received a tonic ahead of an operation when he finished joint-second in the PGA Super 60s Tournament at De Vere Belton Woods in Lincolnshire. The 68-year-old, who is undergoing treatment for skin cancer, dovetailed beautifully with amateur partner Des Lappin as they carded a second round six-under-par 66 for a 10-under-par total. The duo shared second place with Essex PGA professional John Hudson (Rivenhall Oaks) and his partner John Birkett as well as Midlands-based duo and past champions Iain Clark and his amateur Colin Day. The tournament was won by West Midlands Golf Club professional Alan Roach, who was making his debut in the tournament for players aged 60 and over, and his partner Stephen Wilde from Trentham in Staffordshire. The winners finished at 14-under-par after rounds of 66 and 64. Browne and Lappin both bagged four birdies apiece during their round, which was offset by two bogeys. "We dovetailed really well and my partner played well. We took birdies on the last three which made the difference," said Browne. "We were too far back to trouble the leaders. We had a bad front nine and came back in 31. It's a good result for us. "I'm only a social golfer now and this is more for entertainment than financial reasons. "I like coming away for a few days and staying in a nice hotel and seeing the guys I played with back in the 60s and 70s. We have then played in the seniors and the Super 60s." Royal Dublin's Leonard Owens and his partner Brendan Cole claimed a share of fifth place at nine-under-par after adding a four-under 68 to their opening day 67.