SIMON LEWIS: Dunbar grabs shot at glory

One of Ireland’s Masters contingent this week will be Alan Dunbar, using his exemption as British Amateur champion.

As tempting as the chance to turn professional was for the young Rathmore golfer, the chance to experience the US Masters proved just too strong, and so Dunbar spends his last days in the unpaid ranks lapping up the Augusta atmosphere and taking his chance to follow all the amateur greats by respecting the tradition of staying in the famous Crow’s Nest accommodation atop the majestic clubhouse.

Last year, Dunbar’s amateur major win at Royal Troon, was emulated by Royal Portrush golfer Stephanie Meadow, who completed a remarkable one-two for the town landing the Ladies British Amateur at Carnoustie a few weeks later before going on to sink the winning putt for Britain & Ireland at the Curtis Cup in Nairn.