West of Ireland champion Barry Anderson
(Golf Union of Ireland Photo)

Now flying the flag for The Royal Dublin, Anderson returned to his roots and captured a title that retains a special place in the hearts of all Sligo players. To do so, he had to beat Portmarnock's Jack Pierse in the final, clinching a 3&2 win amid clear skies and bright rays at Rosses Point.

Anderson dominated the final from start to finish. A winning par at the first set him on his way and by the turn, he was three holes ahead. Pierse made par at 10 to get one back but Anderson held firm from there t o the finish.

An eight-foot birdie at the 15th had Anderson three clear with three to play. And he did not have to wait long for his moment of victory -- a par at the 16th enough to secure the title.

Anderson's route to the final was anything but straightforward. He rode his luck to come through the first round, edging Irish Close Champion Alex Gleeson at the third extra hole. The 26-year-old had to go the distance in round three against Jordan Hood and endured another nervous finale against Co Sligo's David Brady in the quarter-finals, winning the last for a one-hole victory.

Despite trailing Jake Whelan early on, three down after four, Anderson was flawless on the back nine to clinch a comprehensive semi-final success 5&3. Jack Pierse was just as convincing during his semi-final clash with Tandragee's William Small. Pierse won the first and never trailed, closing out the match on 16.

The final went Anderson's way from the start, with birdies at the second and the fifth while Pierse lost ground with bogeys at the first and the fourth.

-Editors Note: Article by Golf Union of Ireland