McElhinney set for Open appearance after victory

Brian McElhinney today became the first Republic of Ireland golfer to win the Amateur championship since the late and great Joe Carr captured the trophy for a third time in 1960.

The 22-year-old from the North West club in County Donegal comfortably beat Scotland’s John Gallagher – he of the weird-looking cross-hand grip – five and four in the 36-hole final at windy Royal Birkdale.