Higgins left “thrilled and delighted” by latest success
Thomas Higgins won his first major title as he claimed the AIG Irish Men’s Amateur Close Championship. Picture: INPHO/Bryan Keane
Roscommon golfer Thomas Higgins won his first major title as he claimed the AIG Irish Men’s Amateur Close Championship after a thrilling play-off victory.
The 23-year-old defeated Dylan Holmes (Greystones) with a par on the third extra hole, the 75th hole of an enthralling three days in Portumna.
Higgins continued his fine form after he sunk the winning putt for Ireland in the European Team Championship in Estonia last month and also helped Ireland to victory in the Men’s & Women’s Home Internationals last week.
“It’s just a brilliant way to cap off the amateur career. I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted to get it done,” Higgins told Golf Ireland.
“Main thing is my coach just told me to go out there and enjoy it. It is my last ever amateur championship round and so I go out there and have fun and enjoy it.
“I wasn’t having too much fun after I tapped in for bogey on seven but I just stuck to it and kept going, sticking to my process, and found myself making a few birdies and a run, and that was pretty fun.
“I knew I was playing well and I was waiting for the putts to drop, so delighted that they started the drop there in the back nine.”
