Sunday, October 1st, 2017 will be a day that Paul Dunne never forgets as he managed to secure his first ever professional win thanks to an outstanding final round, and a wee bit of luck, at the British Masters at Close House Golf Club in Newcastle.
The 24-year-old recoded a 61 to finish at -20, three clear of Rory McIlroy in 2nd place and he secured the win in style by chipping in from the edge of the green on the 18th.
We saw Shane Lowry's immediate reaction as the win was confirmed, and McIlroy was also very happy for the man from Greystones as he spoke to Sky Sports after finishing 2nd.
Dunne shot seven birdies and one eagle for Sunday's round, which meant that those watching from home were treated to a masterclass from Dunne, and a number of our biggest sporting personalities took to Twitter to express their delight.
Great day for Irish golf. A new winner on tour @dunners11.Hopefully the first of many for the next generation of young Irish golfers.
— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) October 1, 2017
Great performance @dunners11 well done https://t.co/S77GAGkuEC
— AP McCoy (@AP_McCoy) October 1, 2017
Some man for one man, well done @dunners11 must have been that strength session we done together Congrats mate #champ #britishmasters2017
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) October 1, 2017
Well done Paul @dunners11 hopefully it’s the first of many, great finish....
#class— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) October 1, 2017
— Paul McGinley (@mcginleygolf) October 1, 2017
Look who was waiting to smother Paul Dunne with a hug on the 18th Green..! Good on ya, @ShaneLowryGolf @dunners11 pic.twitter.com/YnV3HkhAhT
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) October 1, 2017
Well done @dunners11 excellent stuff today done finds to the last
— Conor.mortimer (@Conmort) October 1, 2017
Pressure is for tyres!!! @dunners11
— luke fitzgerald (@lukefitz11) October 1, 2017
Huge congrats @dunners11. What a way to close it out. Big 's https://t.co/qSspEtRUa6
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) October 1, 2017
What a day for Paul Dunne.
To bounce back from what would have been a disappointing playoff loss in Morocco earlier in the year, and to win in such style, is a fantastic achievement and it's great to see the reaction to his first win.
