Greystones Teen Following In Rory McIlroy’s Footsteps

Dylan Holmes with his West Of Ireland trophy. Pic: INPHO Ben Brady

t was back in 2005 that a 15-year-old Rory McIlroy caused a sensation when he won the West Of Ireland Championship.

McIlroy lifts the trophy 2005

And Greystones Dylan Holmes has now repeated that trick, winning that same title at just 18 years of age.

Both the weather and the game were against the Greystones Golf Club lad, with torrential rain combining with the simple fact that Dylan was playing the local favourite, Barry Anderson. Still, young Holmes was 3&1 in level par figures in the semi-finals on Tuesday 17th before racing into a four-up lead through 10 holes of the final, going on to win 2&1.

The fact that it was on the 51st birthday of his PGA professional father Karl made the victory all the sweeter.

The Holmes family, singing in the rain…

After the game, Dylan reckoned “That was some of the best golf I’ve ever played“, having held off Colm Campbell (37) in a spirited comeback that including a birdie on the 12th. “That was a brilliant match,” continued Holmes. “It’s incredible. I didn’t really have any expectations coming in this weekend.

“I’m just really happy…”

As for Campbell, he said of Holmes’ win, “It was meant to be today. Dylan was the right winner.”

And when it came to the McIlroy comparisons, Dylan wasn’t complaining either. “He’s probably one of the greatest golfers of all time,”he says. “So, I guess that’s a pretty cool thing.”

And sure, that green jacket was clearly made for the Irish…

Congrats to Dylan, and to Karl, and to the rest of the Holmes family…  

Pics: INPHO Ben Brady