Disappointing end for Paul Dunne as Open dream a bridge too far

In the end, it was perhaps one trip too many around the Old Course for Paul Dunne. Call it a Swilcan Bridge too far.

Yet when the disappointment of an anti-climactic final round of The Open at St Andrews fades, there should be much for the unheralded amateur from Ireland to be positive about that can take the 22-year-old into a fulfilling professional career, whenever that day comes.

Dunne, with a fan base enlarged from his loyal starting base of family and friends from Greystones Golf Club, should have much to reflect on what in time will stand for a whole lot more than his closing six-over-par 78.