It was essentially a duel between friends, a re-enactment of last year's Ulster Youths Championship at Belvoir Park. On that occasion Jonathan Caldwell prevailed coming from three shots down to win the title by one but yesterday at Co Louth golf club Brendan McCarroll usurped his rival.
The Ballyliffin golfer started the day seven shots behind Caldwell but after the morning 18 holes that deficit had been reduced to one and just before 7.30pm last night McCarroll had confirmed a two-shot victory in the East of Ireland Championship, closing with a one-under-par 71.
Caldwell sense's of déjà vu will be exacerbated by the fact that he found himself tied for the lead at the halfway stage of the recent Irish Amateur Open championship at Portmarnock only to have his game unceremoniously desert him. Yesterday at Baltray the margin was considerably tighter.
The destination of the title was probably decided by two putts, both Caldwell's. Perched on four under and one behind McCarroll, he followed a booming drive on the 16th by being a little aggressive with a wedge. The ball spun back and came to rest in the collar of rough just above the apron. His chip was a mite undercooked and he could only watch in disgust as his four-and-a-half-foot par putt horse-shoed out.
On the next hole the Clandboye golfer struck a superb mid-iron tee shot to 25 feet. His birdie putt lipped out and the 21 year old's anguish was palpable. When he pulled his drive into the rough on the 18th, chasing the eagle he needed at the par five, his final potential escape route was bolted shut.
No one would quibble, least of all Caldwell, with McCarroll's success as the latter produced exceptional golf over the final 36 holes. There was the occasional moment of good fortune - his drive at the 14th bounced into the back of a rules official's buggy - but he earned it by virtue of a doughty competitive attitude.
He holed several clutch putts on the run-in but the shot he chose from the day's play was his bunker recovery to inches at the eighth. Honourable mention must go to his birdie, eagle finish to the morning's 18 holes.
The 20-year-old, Derry-born golfer moved to Ballyliffin eight years ago, his prowess manifest in winning Irish Boys and Ulster Youths (2004) Championships. Having completed his A levels he made a decision on his golfing future.
"This will be my second year playing golf full-time. I did my A levels and decided to give it a try, see how it goes; give it another year. I seem to be getting better so I think it is the right choice.
"My ambition has been to win a major senior championship so it's nice to get this one. We are good friends. There'll be a bit of banter. (I'm) going to keep playing amateur for another year and see how it goes. Maybe try for the tour."
A nephew of the former Walker Cup selector and Irish international (1968-'69) Frankie, it could yet be an even better year for the McCarroll family as father Brendan is in contention for a place on the Irish Seniors (over 55) team.
His son has posted an eloquent case for inclusion in the national side following his victory in the East, having already played Sherry Cup this year.
A worthy winner and strong contender for the Irish Close Championship which begins at the European Club on Saturday.
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