Schoolboy Dylan Holmes (18) becomes youngest winner of West of Ireland Championship since Rory McIlroy

Independent.ie - 20:25
Schoolboy Dylan Holmes overcame apocalyptic weather conditions and a spirited comeback from the battle-hardened Colm Campbell to become the youngest winner of the Connolly Motor Group-sponsored West of Ireland Championship since a 16-year-old Rory McIlroy in 2006.

The willowy 18-year-old Leaving Cert student from Greystones Golf Club played sensational golf throughout, beating local favourite Barry Anderson 3&1 in level par figures in the semi-finals before racing into a four-up lead through 10 holes of the final en route to a 2&1 win on his PGA professional father Karl’s 51st birthday.

“That was some of the best golf I’ve ever played,” a rain-soaked Holmes said after holding off laureled Warrenpoint man Campbell (37) in some of the worst weather endured at a West of Ireland final in years.

Holmes was four under and 4-up in the best of the weather with seven to play.

But while Campbell won the 12th with a birdie and followed a losing par at the 13th with wins at the 14th and 16th, Greystones heralded its first West of Ireland winner on the iconic 17th green.

“That was a brilliant match. I was really nervous coming down the stretch there. I am so happy it’s over,” said Holmes, who won the Fred Daly Trophy in a team featuring his caddie Jamie Anderson last year. “It’s incredible. I didn’t really have any expectations coming in this weekend. I’m just really happy.”

The final was brought forward to ...
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