Life of Brian as McElhinney basks in Augusta glow

THE GOOD people of Burnfoot, Co Donegal, are rarely in the limelight, going about their business quietly with no expectation of being in the news.

This week, however, is an exception. One of their number, 23-year-old Brian McElhinney, is competing in golf’s most glamorous tournament, the US Masters, and rubbing shoulders on the practice range with the likes of Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Ernie Els.

He’s in Augusta as a reward for his victory in the 2005 British Amateur Championship, thus joining Joe Carr, Garth McGimpsey and Michael Hoey as the amateurs who have represented Ireland in the Masters. McElhinney is no stranger to major championships, as he also competed in last year’s British Open in his role as European amateur champion.