Masterclass From Dunne

It all started this time two years ago for Paul Dunne. The Greystones man had entered European tour Q school after a year which saw saw him lead the British Open after 3 rounds at the home of golf and claim Walker Cup victory against to U.S. Dunne then successfully navigated his way through school which is arguably one of the toughest tests a young golfer faces. Dunnes first season on tour was also a success. Not claiming a win, but being in that small percentage of golfers that maintain their card on tour the following year through minimal starts, is a bigger achievement than earning your card through Q school in the first place. For Paul, it was but a stepping stone that his stellar junior and amateur career showed us. After securing his full card for his second season on tour, this opened more doors for the Greystones man. Big events such as BMW PGA Championship at Wenthworth, French Open, and of course the British Masters were all put on his schedule, not to forget the U.S Open after going through qualifying to earn his place.

Dunne then went on the secure his first solo second finish at the Trophee Hassan II in Morocco where he narrowly lost out to former Ryder Cup Eduardo Molinari in a play-off. After some fine performances through the summer, and his card once again secured for the 2017-18 season, this seemed to free up the 24 year old to push on and claim his first victory. With a stellar field with the likes of Poulter, Westwood, Kaymer and of course Rory Mcilroy this only spurred Dunne on. In the final group on Sunday and scoring already low from the early starters, Dunne knew he needed a good if he wanted to challenge for the title. Dunne got his wish, with a brilliant chip in on the first, this got Dunne moving. He followed this up with 2 more birdies and an eagle for a front nine of just 30 shots, With Mcilroy in pursuit, Dunne did not rest. A 320 yard drive on 17 set up another birdie to leave Dunne 2 clear with the tricky par 3 18th to finish. An understandably cautious tee shot left Dunne with a difficult pitch up the green. Dunne knew he 3 shots from here to claim victory, but proceeded to produce what will surely be one of the shots of the year. A masterful pitch that fell in the front door on its last roll to what was a fantastic reaction from Dunne and his caddie Darren Reynolds. First victory secure, and what i'm sure will be plenty more.