Chicago's Adler becomes first Lahinch member to win South since 1968

BRIDGING THE GAP: Winner Patrick Adler.

Chicago’s Patrick Adler made his childhood dream come true when he became the first Lahinch member to capture the Pierse Motors VW-sponsored South of Ireland Amateur Open for 56 years.

A senior at Marquette University in Milwaukee and an overseas life member of Lahinch, the 21-year-old followed in the footsteps of 1968 champion JD Smyth by lifting the 122nd edition of the championship, beating Millicent’s Brian Doran 3 and 2 at the west Clare links.

After etching his name on the famous old trophy alongside the likes of Paul McGinley and major winners Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell, he said: “Anytime I tell anybody over in the States that I'm coming to play in the South of Ireland, they wouldn't necessarily know how big of an event it is.

“They'd be like, ‘Why are you going all the way over to Ireland to play an event?’ But it's a legitimate event with some legitimate past winners, like Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley—huge names.

“Even eating lunch up there, an older man was sitting next to us, and my Dad introduced us to the last man from Lahinch to win the South, JD Smyth, in 1968.

“That gave me some extra motivation. He told me, ‘You’re playing great, keep on going'.” 

Adler did just that.

Having beaten Tramore’s Pat Murray — the 2012 champion and nine-time semi-finalist — 5 and 4 to secure his place in the final, he was impressive in the afternoon.

Doran, who showed his progression as a championship player of note when he beat Galgorm Castle’s Joshua Hill one up in the morning semi-finals, proved a gritty opponent.

But the deadly putting that got him to Sunday, deserted him somewhat on the final day.

After halves in par at the first, the players swapped wins at the next six holes before Adler birdied the eighth and ninth to go two-up, then claimed the 10th in par to secure a three-up lead.

Doran missed good birdie chances to win the 11th and 12th but while he got back to two down twice in the next three holes, winning the 13th in birdie after driving the green and the 15th with a two-putt par, Adler closed out the match at the par-three 16th that will remain his favourite hole for some time to come.

Asked which shot was more memorable, the three-foot putt or the hole-in-one, he said: “That’s a tough one, but I think the three-footer trumps it over the hole-in-one, honestly.

"Just to have my name on the South of Ireland trophy, it’s what I've dreamed of since I came out to Lahinch for the first time.” 

Supported by family and friends on his third appearance having reached the last 64 and the last 32 in 2022 and 2023, he added: "It’s been unreal. I’ve played in tournaments where people have been watching but nothing like the crowds out here.

“The first year we had probably 10 people watching me in the round of 64 and they started calling themselves Paddy’s Army. And Paddy's army was in full force today.

“Being an American playing this event, you never know what side the fans are going to be on, because I might be a bit of an intruder. But it felt unbelievable to have the support. When I lost a hole, they were always there to egg me on and push me to keep fighting.”