After Open dream, David Howard keeps Walker Cup hopes alive by reaching South of Ireland semis

Howard built on the momentum that earned him a place at last week’s Open in Royal Birkdale.

David Howard at the South of Ireland Men's Amateur Open, Lahinch Golf Club, Clare. Pic ©INPHO/Nick Elliott

Sat, 25 Jul, 2026 - 19:55

Daragh Small

Fota Island golfer David Howard kept his Walker Cup dreams alive as he booked his place in the semi-finals of the Pierse Motor Group South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship.

In the penultimate day of action at Lahinch, Howard built on the momentum that earned him a place at last week’s Open in Royal Birkdale.

Cork amateur David Howard taking plenty from his memorable Open experience

The 27-year-old downed Josh Hill with a four-foot putt on 17, to seal a 2&1 quarter-final win and move one step closer to potentially representing GB&I at the Walker Cup back at Lahinch in September.

“It’s been mental (the last month),” said Howard.

“It was a big win with the Interpros with Munster, to going to The Open, now here at the South, it’s been an incredible few weeks.

“I’ll try and get a good sleep tonight and go again, take it as it comes, try to be good mentally for the day. It’s been working out so far.

“People are saying you’re on the cusp but I think I need to win it really to get my name on that panel. We’re still going anyway so that’s a good sign.”

But standing in Howard’s way is red-hot Welsh golfer Tomi Bowen, fresh off an impressive victory over Ciaran Murphy (Grange) in the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, Thomas Higgins (Roscommon) missed his chance when he fought back only to fall to defeat on 18 against German Ben Gratzl. Another Welsh representative completes tomorrow morning’s lineup, as Sean David beat Freddie Turnell.

It was a wet and windy Saturday and Hill was the first player to advance to the quarter-finals, where he took his place alongside Howard, who birdied the last to see off Mark Gazi (Tralee). Bowen booked his place in a quarter-final against Murphy, who defeated Daniel Hayes 2&1.

Higgins continued his brilliant form with a 2&1 win over fellow Walker Cup hopeful, Connor Graham, and Gratzl came through on the other side. Sean David also won his match and went on to face Turnell, who finally got the better David Kitt (Athenry) following their 21-hole battle.