Golf: Paul wins Carlsberg North of Ireland Championship

Stuart Paul from Tandragee has won the Carlsberg North of Ireland Championship with a 2&1 win over new Walker Cup cap Graeme McDowell at Royal Portrush.

Paul was in control most of the way against the title favourite and turned two up after winning the 7th and 8th holes in par-birdie.

However, McDowell hit back with a conceded par at the 12th and a birdie two at 14 to leave the match all square but couldn’t get his nose in front.

Paul hit back immediately with a birdie three at the 15th hole and then clinched the title – his first championship win at any level – with par five at the 17th where McDowell three-putted from six feet.

Semi-finals:

G McDowell (Rathmore) bt D Jones (City of Derry) one up;

S Paul (Tandragee) bt M O’Sullivan (Galway) 3&1;

Final:

Paul bt McDowell 2&1