McIlroy’s star continues to rise with Close win

Rory McIlroy took the Irish Amateur Close Championship yesterday evening in Westport when he defeated Eddie McCormack three-and-two in the final.

Hollywood golfer McIlroy had earlier disposed of Connor Doran (Banbridge) four-and-three in the semi-finals, having beaten Sligo’s Sean McTernan – who started the week with a blistering 61 on the opening day – in the quarter-final 1Up.

McCormack (Galway) had accounted for Aengus McAllister of Portmarnock in the semi-final and also took care of Mark Shanahan (West Waterford) on the 18th hole in the quarter-final.

Semi-finals:

Rory McIlroy (Holywood) bt Connor Doran (Banbridge) 4 and 3; Eddie McCormack (Galway) bt Aengus McAllister (Portmarnock) 3 and 2.

Quarter Finals:

Rory McIlroy (Holywood) bt Sean McTernan (Co. Sligo) 1 hole; Connor Doran (Banbridge) bt Michael Horan (Birr) 5/3; Aengus McAllister (Portmarnock) bt Mervyn Owens (Mallow) 1 hole; Eddie McCormack (Galway) bt Mark Shanahan (West Waterford) 1 hole.