Golf Ireland has celebrated Co Louth golfer Stuart Grehan's stunning victory at The Amateur Championship in Royal Liverpool.
The 33-year-old backed up his recent East of Ireland success with a brilliant week in Hoylake becoming the 131st Amateur Champion, while securing his place at this year’s Open, and the Masters and US Open in 2027.
The Tullamore native came through a strong field before delivering a 1 hole win over Matt Moloney (USA) in the final, as Grehan became the first Irish winner of this event since James Sugrue in 2019, with fellow Co Louth clubman Gavin Tiernan falling just short in last year’s decider.
“It’s a brilliant achievement and we are delighted for Stuart,” said Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly.
“The Amateur Championship is one of the biggest tests in golf, where you have to come through stroke play and a full week of match play.
“We’ve known for a long time the quality Stuart has, as evidenced by his brilliant season last year and recent win in Baltray. To see him deliver it on this stage is hugely rewarding for him and everyone who has worked with him along the way.
“Stuart’s success adds to Ireland’s strong tradition in the amateur ranks and provides another boost ahead of the European Team Championships.”
Grehan, who was crowned Flogas Irish Men’s Amateur Open Champion and AIG Irish Men’s Amateur Close Champion in last year, showed phenomenal heart and determination throughout the 36-hole final.
He went 3 down after 12 holes but bounced back and only trailed by the minimum at lunch. Grehan pushed on in the afternoon and won the first two holes, he had two chances to the seal the match down the closing stretch but eventually did on the 36th and final hole.
This win marks a career-defining moment in a Walker Cup year where that match takes place in Lahinch.
“I still can’t believe it, I am just so relieved. My legs were shaking coming up the 18th, just absolutely over the moon,” said Grehan.
“I was thinking of all sorts over that first putt there but delighted just to get it done.
“It’s been amazing, it was boisterous out there today which was nice. It was just amazing to have everyone over and to get the job done. We were very close last year with Gavin nearly winning as well.
“I had a reset at lunch, my coach is actually over, Dave Ruddy, so we went to the range and talked it over. Just a couple of small bits and I actually played quite well that side, I hit the ball really well, made a few mental errors but that’s always going to happen over 36 holes.
“I just kept the head down, tried to stay calm, as calm as possible but I’m just over the moon.”
