COLIN’S STROKE OF GENIUS
Redemption for Fairweather as he clinches NI Open spot
KNOCK’S Colin Fairweather made up for his defeat in final of the “North” when he won the Northern Ireland Amateur Open Strokeplay after a play-off to clinch a Challenge Tour start in the NI Open next month.
The 26-year old Belfast native shot rounds of 72 and 74 to tie with fellow international Tiarnan McLarnon (77, 69) and Laytown and Bettystown’s Thomas Mulligan (69, 77) on fourover par 146.
After defeat to Hermitage’s Rowan Lester in Friday’s North of Ireland Championship final at Royal Portrush, Fairweather was delighted to get over the line, though he didn’t make things easy for himself in testing, windy conditions at the Ballymena venue.
He was leading by one playing the final hole in the 36-hole strokeplay event but lost his ball off the tee.
He eventually made a bogey six at the par five to force a play-off with Massereene’s McLarnon, the 2015 winner, and former Boys international Mulligan, who is also on his way to the NI Open as the best Under 18.
The new champion didn’t make the same mistake in sudden death , firing a long drive down the fairway before hitting a seven-iron to 20 feet to set up a two-putt birdie.
McLarnon missed a five-footer for his birdie, while Mulligan lost a ball off the tee, and though he still managed a par it was Fairweather who took the spoils.
“My putting wasn’t up to scratch but I struck the ball very well and still managed to get it round. I’m over the moon to win here today and claim a place in the NI Open,” said Fairweather, who will now tee it up alongside the professionals in the Galgorm Resort & Spa Northern Ireland Open presented by Modest! Golf from August 10-13.
“I’m really looking forward to competing in my first professional event, I’ve heard great things about the NI Open and can’t wait,” added Fairweather, who joins an illustrious list of former champions, including Walker Cup player Cormac Sharvin and Ballymena’s Dermot McElroy.
Although Mulligan lost out in the playoff, the 17-year-old had already secured the second NI Open place up for grabs courtesy of Modest! Golf ’s invite for the leading under-18 player.
“It’s great, I came here to secure the under-18 invite and a massive thanks to Modest! Golf for the opportunity,” said the Leinster player, who also represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Jacques Leglise Trophy in 2016.
“I had a poor second round but am delighted to have earned my place in the NI Open and I can’t wait to play here again in a few weeks.”
Entry to the NI Open is free, simply register online at www.niopen.golf.
This year’s event introduces the exciting new Shootout Sunday knockout format, which is sure to provide plenty of drama for the players and spectators.