Morris wins Irish Seniors at Naas
Andrew Morris battled back from a two-shot deficit to claim the Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Open Championship at Naas Golf Club.
Andrew Morris battled back from a two-shot deficit to claim the Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Open Championship at Naas Golf Club.
A final round 71 proving to be enough for the Royal Portrush golfer to secure a one-shot victory.
Fifty-six golfers teed it up on the County Kildare course for Friday’s final round, and with just four shots separating the top 10, the title was very much up for grabs.
Local hopeful Joe McWilliams (Naas) had surged into the lead with a stunning second round 67 on Thursday to see him take the overnight lead on -2. However, it was from the penultimate group that the eventual champion would emerge as Morris delivered one final composed performance to take the crown.
“I’ve been nicknamed the bridesmaid for too many years after a couple of close finished but no, this is special”, said Morris.
“To do it in front of that packed field as well, the best of them, and today to play with Eddie McCormack (Galway) and Jody Fanagan (Milltown) was just class.”
Morris began his morning brightly, a birdie on the fourth settling some early round nerves, however a bogey shortly followed on six before he dropped three more shots on 10, 11 and 14.
While it seemed, the championship may have been slipping from his grasp, Morris rallied and produced a moment of magic as an eagle three on the Par 5 15th reignited his charge before a crucial birdie at the last sealed his first singles championship victory.
“The turning point probably was 15, had a good second shot in there and held the putt for Eagle”, said Morris.
“Going up the last it was pretty tight, but I fortunately chipped and putted so delighted with birdie”.
Having come close to lifting this title previously, most recently when finishing in a tie for fifth in 2024, it was a sweet feeling for Morris to finally be able to call himself the Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Open Champion.
“This is huge, to win this”, said Morris.
“I didn’t really expect to be winning it coming here, but when you see all the class that there is, Karl Bornemann, Joe Lyons, there’s so many of them and I’m just delighted I held on and got over the line.”
There was disappointment for Joe McWilliams as his title challenge faded late in the round, but perhaps the loudest cheer of the day was reserved for the Naas man when he claimed the silver medal and the 60-64 Age Category prize, urged home by a vocal local crowd.
Morris’ playing partner on the final day Jody Fanagan also had cause to celebrate as rounds of 71, 72 and 71 saw him claim the 55-59 Age Category prize.
Michael Mercier (USA) took home the 65-69 prize while William Donlan (Birr) claimed the over 70 title.
View the final scores here
