Been there, Dunne that ...got the hangover
Paul’s carving new memories after coming so close to Open triumph
THE last time Paul Dunne led at St Andrews he ended up leaving with nothing but a hangover and a pounding head filled with thoughts of what might have been.
But two years on from the day he topped The Open leaderboard heading into the final round he finds himself back in the hunt at the Home of Golf thanks to a cracking opening round of the Dunhill Links.
And this time he intends not to let victory slip through his fingers.
Life has changed dramatically since the summer of 2015 when the Irishman stepped on to the famous first tee at the Old Course as an amateur suddenly thrust to the front and centre of the world’s glare.
The first amateur since 1927 to lead the Open Championship after three rounds, thanks to the lowest 54-hole score recorded by a nonprofessional in tournament history – it seemed that more history beckoned.
Sadly the occasion overwhelmed him and a closing round of 78 sent him freefalling to a tie for 30th place – not even high enough to earn the consolation of winning the Silver Medal for the leading amateur.
Looking back now it helped greatly by having just racked up his first professional win last Sunday at the British Masters, Dunne can afford to be philosophical about it now.
At least his big letdown at St Andrews convinced him that he had a future in the paid ranks – and he still got a good night out with his mates.
Dunne said: “That night I ended up in a nightclub called The Lizard which is closed down now. I had so many people come over from Ireland I had to have a drink with them afterwards and ended up having a late night.
“I would probably have preferred not to go out because I was disappointed but it would have been poor form if I’d just stayed in and sulked. I ended up having a good time but that’s about all I’ll tell you!
“So I’ve got good and bad memories of this place. The Open was a great thing for me here
because it opened so many doors for sponsors and invites when I turned pro. But also how many times are you going to lead The Open at St Andrews with one round to go?
“It was a situation I wasn’t used to at the time and it might have overwhelmed me a bit. It was one that slipped away but something that kind of set up my professional career.
“So while it leaves a scar when I think back on that last day of The Open it’s given me so much confidence. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that experience.”
The 24-year-old will be hoping that European Tour wins can be like buses this week having put himself in a position to rack up a stunning back-to-back success after his British Masters title triumph at Close House.
Romping around this famous old links in 67 blows was certainly a case of picking up where he left off with only Nicolas Colsaerts matching his five-under starting score up the road at Kingsbarns.
But with Dunne in this freewheeling mode where golf just feels easy he’s going to take some stopping.
Dunne added: “I haven’t been back home since my win last week. I drove to St Andrews on Sunday night and went out for a few beers to celebrate with the Irish lads. I took the day off on Monday and then went out to practice the last couple of days.
“Since the win my phone has been going mental. The support has been incredible. Life is good at the minute. I’m on a good stretch, my game feels good and every tournament for the rest of the year is a big event.
“I didn’t see much point in going home or taking time off when everything feels so good.
“I feel in control of what I’m doing which is a nice feeling but it’s one that I don’t want to go so I’m not getting complacent with it. I’m going to try to keep improving until then.”