Sugrue relishing life in the big time

The whirlwind continues for James Sugrue as the newly-minted amateur champion starts to reap the rewards of his Portmarnock triumph with a major debut on home soil at the 148th Open.

The 22-year-old from Mallow has seen his world turned upside down since his extraordinary success last month, celebrations coming attached not just with greater obligations but the promise of golden tickets into this week’s Open at Royal Portrush, the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team, and next year’s Masters and US Open.