Sligo is Jonathan Yates Country as UCD star claims the West of Ireland crown

Jonathan Yates believes he’s close to his dream of an Irish cap after combining raw power and finesse to capture the Radisson Blu-sponsored West of Ireland Amateur Open at County Sligo.

The strapping UCD student, 22, put one arm in an Irish blazer and took a giant step towards the title with a heart-stopping one up win over holder and favourite Dermot McElroy in the morning.

But he then had to combine his ball-striking superiority with some clutch putting down the stretch to defeat the determined Castle talent Daniel Holland 2 and 1 in the final.