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.