Thomas Abom pulls off dramatic victory at Irish Amateur Close Championship
Thomas Abom (Irish Amateur Golf Info Photo)
Thomas Abom from Dublin claimed the Irish Men’s Amateur Close Championship at Dun Laoghaire after a thrilling playoff victory over former hockey star Richard Sykes. Abom, who began the final day tied for second and four strokes behind the 36-hole leader Sean Keeling, shot a third-round 71 to take the solo lead at 6-under, with Sykes trailing by one stroke.
Keeling, who held the lead at 9-under after 36 holes, faltered with a third-round 79, while Abom’s consistent play positioned him at the top heading into the final round. Abom posted a final-round 72, which, combined with Sykes’ 71, left both players tied for the lead, forcing a playoff.
Abom is ranked No. 912 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings.
On the first playoff hole, Abom narrowly missed a 20-foot birdie putt, resulting in a par and extending the match. However, on the second extra hole, he delivered a clutch performance, hitting a precise 9-iron from 146 yards to within three feet of the hole and sinking the birdie putt to secure the championship.
Sykes finished as the runner-up with rounds of 68-73-70-71, for a total score of 6-under. The 2022 edition champion and runner-up in the previous edition, Quentin Carew, recorded rounds of 71-74-74-73, finishing tied for 14th.
ABOUT THE
Irish Amateur Close
The tournament is open to all Clubs affiliated
to the Golfing Union of Ireland. Format is 64-player
match play, preceded by a 36-hole stroke play
qualifier.
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