EUROPEAN AMATEUR:The Ireland team returned home to Dublin Airport early yesterday morning after putting in a sterling performance to beat France in the final to secure the European Amateur Team Championships at Western Gailes Golf Club for the first time in 20 years, writes Paul Gallagher.
Michael Burns's young soldiers were put out to battle against stiff opposition at the the Ayrshire venue all week long and each time they answered the call. Although Rory McIlroy was inspirational as he spearheaded the Irish campaign throughout he may not look back so fondly on the final for on both outings he lost.
To still have won the final 4½-2½ without Ireland's top player registering a single point illustrates the strength and depth in this young side.
"It was a brilliant week from start to finish," beamed GUI National Coach Neil Manchip. "I knew from the start we had a great chance and were capable of going all the way if things went our way because we have a very strong team with everyone in great form.
"There's great camaraderie too, everyone gets on with each other, and there's no prima donna's in this team, really good team spirit."
In the final McIlroy and Jonathan Caldwell, who shot the amateur course record 65 in the second round of qualifying, never looked like winning the top foursomes match and eventually lost 5 and 4 to France's top pairing of Alexandre Kaleka and Adrien Bernadet. However, by lunch the match was level after Shane Lowry and Richard Kilpatrick battled to overcome Jean Wolff and Kenny Le Sager by 2 holes.
McIlroy got off to a good start in the top singles match after holing his second shot at the first. However, he relinquished a few holes in quick succession and was eventually beaten 3 and 2 by Romain Bechu.
Shane Lowry was always in control in match two and trounced Victor Dubuisson 5 and 4. Richard Kilpatrick got the measure of Adrien Bernadet 3 and 2 while Caldwell ensured the historic victory with a 3 and 2 win over Alexandre Kaleka. Simon Ward halved the bottom match against Jean Wolff.
Ireland were impressive all the way to the final and particularly gutsy in the semi-final win over England.
"The lads haven't done their chances of Walker Cup selection any harm at all," added Manchip. "We started of with four guys in the Walker Cup squad and now winning this and the event being in Ireland in September I'm sure the selectors will take note."
US SENIORS OPEN: Brad Bryant carded a final round of 68 to win the US Seniors Open at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin yesterday. Bryant's total of six-under-par 282 gave him a three shots win over Ben Crenshaw with Loren Roberts third. Overnight leader Tom Watson slipped back to fourth with a closing 79.
Des Smyth carded a final round of 76 for a five-over-par total of 293. Smyth finished one behind Mark McNulty, who closed with a 72 for 292.
CHALLENGE TOUR:The Challenge de France will be concluded this morning after prolonged lightening storms and heavy rain left European Challenge Tour Officials no choice but to suspend the fourth round overnight.
Gareth Paddison of New Zealand, who has five holes to complete when play resumes at the Golf des Volcans at 7:10 local time this morning, leads the tournament on nine under par, five strokes clear of his playing partner Leif Westerberg of Sweden.
Michael McGeady finished on nine-over-par 293 after a final round of 74 while Stephen Browne is on four-over-par with six holes to play.
LET TOUR: Wales's Becky Brewerton carded a final round 68 to clinch her maiden career Ladies European Tour victory at the Ladies English Open, at Chart Hills in Kent yesterday.
The 24-year-old from Abergele mixed five birdies and one bogey for a seven-under-par 209 total and a three shot victory over Sweden's Linda Wessberg (68), England's Kirsty Taylor (69) and Karen Stupples (71).
Rebecca Coakley shot an excellent final round of 69 for a five-over-par total of 221.
