'I need to become a better putter' - Mixed emotions for Stuart Grehan

Amateur, Stewart Grehan of Ireland plays a shot during a practice round prior to The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on July 15, 2026 in Southport, England. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)

Stuart Grehan rebounded from a crushing 77 with a 69 and admitted he needs to become a better putter ahead of the Masters and the US Open next year.

The Amateur champion (33) made three birdies in his last six holes to finish on six over on his debut in The Open.

While he was disappointed to miss the cut and the chance to win the silver medal as leading amateur, he believes he has the game to compete at a high level.

“I certainly played better today than yesterday,” he said. “I suppose I probably enjoyed it a little bit more today. Probably didn't get my own way as much.

“There was too much work to do today. But look, I played very well, and it was a good experience.”

The Tullamore native felt conditions were “a lot easier” and while he felt he “left a few out there”, he was candid about his struggles—particularly with putting and short irons.

“I think probably the best shot I hit was the 13th,” he said of his 2280-yard approach to five feet there. “It was probably the only good shot I hit in the 30 holes I'd played up to that point.”

He added: “I was very dejected last night actually, fairly disappointed in how I played, all aspects of my game to be perfectly honest. They just weren't there.

“I just didn't have my game yesterday, and that was it.”

As for what he takes from the experience, he said: “That my game is well able to stand up to a pretty high level.”

But he admitted that he has work to do to compete in the Masters and US Open next year.

“I feel like I probably need to get better at certain areas,” said the County Louth star, who will tee it up in next week’s South of Ireland at Lahinch before returning to the Co Clare venue for September’s Walker Cup.

“Certainly putting anyway. That's one thing I've learned over the past couple of days; I need to become a better putter.”

“A few wedge shots, as well, I didn't really hit any close.”

Meanwhile, it was a contrasting day for former Open champions Darren Clarke and Pádraig Harrington.

Clarke was one under for his round and in with a chance of making the cut with four holes to play but bogeyed the 15th and 16th before racking up a triple bogey seven at the 18th.

A 74 left him on seven over par as Harrington fought back after his first round 80 and made six birdies in a 69 to get back to nine over.