GUI President, Eugene Fayne (right), presents the Irish Amateur Open trophy to Rhys Pugh (Wales). Also pictured is JJ Murphy, Captain, The Royal Dublin Golf Club. Credit: Pat Cashman, courtesy GUI.Welsh teenager Rhys Pugh took a giant step towards securing his Walker Cup place when he claimed the Irish Amateur Open after dramatic three-hole aggregate play-off at a wind-lashed Royal Dublin.

As Greystones’ Paul Dunne agonisingly missed out on the extra time action by a shot after lipping out at the last, the 17-year old international from Pontypridd grabbed the first senior win of his career when he beat 22-year old Scot Gordon Stevenson by four shots over the 16th, 17th and 18th in winds gusting over 30 mph.