Pyle & Kenfig golfer Sean David was crowned the Pierse Motor Group South of Ireland Men’s Amateur Open Champion after a thrilling victory.
In the first ever all-Welsh decider at Lahinch, David got the better of his good friend Tomi Bowen (Welshpool) for a narrow 1up win on 18.
The 23-year-old battled hard to withstand the early pressure, and despite falling 3 down through 12, he launched a late surge to seal the win.
“It’s a bit unbelievable to be honest,” said David.
“I never expected that at the start of the week. The calibre of the field, so many great players, and I’ve just been playing my own stuff and plotting my way around the golf course.
“I’ve been so calm in everything I’ve been doing. I’ve been committed to every shot and really in control. I’ve been really gritty all week, getting up and downs and holing putts.”
David had got the better of German Ben Gratzl in the semi-finals while the lone Irish golfer left in the championship finally came unstuck.
David Howard’s (Fota Island) week ended on the 17th hole of his semi-final, when his chip finished just short and Bowen two-putted for a 2&1 win.
“It’s been unbelievable, I have had some support from everyone it’s unbelievable,” said Howard.
“The support and the reception on the first tee at The Open. Even today the crowd was unbelievable and I’m sure most of them were for me, so I can’t thank them enough.”
Meanwhile, David cruised to a 4&3 victory and he won the second hole of the decider, to take the lead against Bowen.
They were tied by the fourth and Bowen would win the fifth and ninth for a 2up advantage by the end of a front nine played in less than 90 minutes.
With GB&I Walker Cup Captain Dean Robertson watching on, David had to dig deep and his comeback began on the 13th. He had all of the momentum down the home stretch and staked his claim for a spot on the team who will face USA back here in September.
“It’s massive, I’ve been knocking on the door for a while now,” said David.
“I’ve been playing some great stuff, I just knew at some point it would all work out.”
View the final scoring
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