Ollie McEvoy’s name will forever stand alongside the likes of Justin Rose, Edoardo Molinari, Marco Penge and Rasmus Hojgaard after he clinched a dramatic victory at the prestigious McGregor Trophy.
The Ballycastle teenager birdied the second playoff hole to edge Finland’s Valtteri Lindroos after both players were initially tied on three-over-par at Clitheroe Golf Club.
McEvoy sealed the victory with a birdie as he became the first Irish winner of the underage Boys Championship since Mark Gazi in 2022.
“I’m absolutely delighted. Just beyond belief, I can’t really believe it to be honest! This is definitely my best achievement in a stroke play tournament. 100%, it’s the best so far!
“I just about got it over the line in my proper round to get into the play-off, I held a birdie putt on the 18th and then in the play-off, I pulled a 3-wood out that I haven’t hit all week for my 2nd shot. I managed to stick it into 20-feet and take the two-putts for birdie, and I couldn’t quite believe it.
“I was really nervous at the start because I thought I’d threw it away in the last few holes of my final round and then I settled down. That birdie putt on 18 definitely gave me momentum and confidence with my putter and then the confidence in my swing to carry it into the play-off.”
It was a brilliant display of chasing from the teenager who began the final round five shots off the pace. A two-under front nine was just what he needed to thrust himself into contention ahead of a rollercoaster back nine. Standing on the par-5 18th tee, he needed a birdie to force extra holes. His tee shot found trouble but he trusted his wedge game and after chipping back into play he pitched to ten feet and holed the putt.
McEvoy and Lindroos both made pars on the first playoff hole, the tenth, before they went down 18 for the second hole. McEvoy hit two crackers into the heart of the green to set up an eagle try. A two-putt was enough to finally get over the line.
On joining the likes of Rose, Molinari, Penge and Højgaard, he added: “It’s unbelievable! Quite surreal to be honest! It’s something you dream of.”
McEvoy has been selected to represent Ireland at the European Young Masters fresh from his impressive victory.
McEvoy will form part of a four-player Irish team competing at Parador de El Saler, Spain, from 23 to 25 July, alongside John Moran (Portmarnock), Maddie Armstrong (Knock) and Grace Dowdall (Forrest Little). The prestigious event brings together Europe’s leading U-16 golfers, with players competing for individual and team honours. The team will be supported by Manager Des Molyneaux and Coach Michelle Carroll.
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