Dunne rewarded for Open heroics

Paul Dunne has been rewarded for his form at The Open Championship with an invite to the US Amateur Championship.

The Irishman, playing in just his second major, produced some stunning golf in adverse conditions at St Andrews.

After the third round, Dunne found himself tied for the lead on 12 under par, in the process becoming the first amateur to lead the Open after 54 holes since Bobby Jones in 1927.

Unfortunately, Dunne would capitulate on the final day, carding a 78 that would only be enough for tied 30th.

Nevertheless, the result was enough to gain him entry into the prestigious US Amateur, which tees off on 17 August at Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois. Dunne is currently ranked 38th in the world amateur rankings and is targeting turning professional in September.

“Paul Dunne demonstrated his ability to compete with anyone by his outstanding play in the recent British Open at St Andrews,” said Diana Murphy, the chairman of the USGA’s Championship Committee.

“The USGA is pleased that he will be joining the strong international field of 312 players in the US Amateur, our oldest national championship, at Olympia Fields.”

Latest