Celebrations are continuing at Greystones Golf Club in Wicklow this afternoon following Paul Dunne’s win at the British Masters.
The victory was the 24-year-old’s first European tour title - but for those who know him, it’s been a long time coming.
Dunne held his nerve last night to finish three shots clear of Rory Mcilroy, shooting a round of 61.
He eventually finished 20 under par.
Unbelievable!@dunners11 chips-in at 18 to win the #BritishMasters! pic.twitter.com/branyPTHQN
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) October 1, 2017
Yesterday afternoon, hundreds gathered at his local golf club in Greystones to cheer him on.
Lady captain Monica Smith said she was glued to the screen as he chipped to victory on the 18th green.
“You couldn’t hear yourself with the screams and the roars and it continued because they kept repeating that chip into the hole and everybody just went berserk,” she said.
“I mean we were all so proud of him.”
Dunne has also secured the biggest pay cheque of his career - winning over €500,000.
The best of Paul Dunne's winning round of 61 📹#BritishMasters pic.twitter.com/CJH9c45fvb
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) October 1, 2017
Local golfer Tom Byrne says none of this will go to his head.
“He is not a superstar,” he said. “He doesn’t act like a superstar.”
“He is just a guy who came up here and interacted with the members; was happy to play with all the members.”
“He is a really ordinary guy, an absolute gentleman.”
Celebrations continue at Greystones Golf Club after Paul Dunne won the British Masters. More on @TodayFMNews now pic.twitter.com/7nUohHDGOs
— Stephanie Grogan (@StephGrogan3) October 2, 2017
Dunne’s coach and club professional, Karl Holmes, said he showed huge promise from a young age.
Despite the great win, he said Dunne has little time to celebrate.
“Yeah I was talking to him briefly yesterday after he finished,” he said.
“He is very level headed Paul; he will be very focused on the week ahead, he has a big three weeks ahead of him.”
“I think he had a few drinks last night alright with Shane Lowry - but he will be back to business now.”
Dunne will not be back in Greystones for a few weeks, but when he does return there is sure to be a massive party and homecoming ready for a local man on his way to massive success.
