Scottish golfer Matthew Wilson said it was a dream come true as he won the North of Ireland Amateur Open Championship at a resplendent Royal Portrush.
The conditions were ideal all week and while the wind did whip up slightly on Friday, the sun still shone, and it gave the players a wonderful opportunity to test their links golf skills on next year’s Open venue.
And the Forres golfer took advantage of his consistency earlier in the week, when he shot back-to-back 69s to give him the chance to seal a famous win.
Paul Coughlan (Castleknock) did have every chance but he was three shots worse off than his Scottish opponent in the final round, and Wilson’s 71 was enough to secure the trophy on -4.
“It’s my favourite course for sure,” said Wilson (24).
“I played British Boys’ here in 2018, a year before the 2019 Open and it was amazing to watch it on TV after that.
“And it’ll probably be even more special to watch it on TV next year after winning here. I can’t speak highly enough of the golf course.
“It’s the biggest thing I’ve won so far, comfortably.”
Wilson and Coughlan were the only players to finish under-par at the end of 72 holes with James Morgan (Longniddry) back in third on +3, just ahead of West of Ireland winner Keith Egan (Carton House), while Mullingar Scratch Cup champion, Brian Doran (Millicent) completed the top five.
And as Max Hopkins (Bishop’s Stortford) fell away, it was all about Wilson and Coughlan in the final group during the second round on Friday.
Crucially Coughlan had three bogeys on his front nine, and with birdies on seven and nine, Wilson assumed control at the top of the standings.
He remained steady after the turn and a birdie on 13 helped him over the line after a solid three days on Dunluce.
“I hit it pretty straight. The greens are unbelievable, so if you putt well you’ll hole putts and I managed to hole a few. But it was more just hitting it quite straight,” said Wilson.
“I won a couple of Scottish Order of Merit events a few years back. I haven’t actually really won anything too big in over two years now so maybe that was playing on my mind a bit. But it does feel nice because it’s been a while.
“I struggled a bit this year but I’m playing better towards the back end of the season, played a small competition back home last weekend and played well. Gave me a bit of confidence.
“It was nice to go out and finish the season on a high.”
View the final scoring here