Thomas Abom pulls off dramatic victory at Irish Amateur Close Championship

August 18, 2024 | by Amit Pandey of AmateurGolf.com

Thomas Abom (Irish Amateur Golf Info Photo)

Abom defeated former hockey star Richard Sykes on the second playoff with a short birdie putt after a close approach shot

Thomas Abom from Dublin claimed the Irish Men’s Amateur Close Championship at Dun Laoghaire after a thrilling playoff victory over former hockey star Richard Sykes. Abom, who began the final day tied for second and four strokes behind the 36-hole leader Sean Keeling, shot a third-round 71 to take the solo lead at 6-under, with Sykes trailing by one stroke.

Keeling, who held the lead at 9-under after 36 holes, faltered with a third-round 79, while Abom’s consistent play positioned him at the top heading into the final round. Abom posted a final-round 72, which, combined with Sykes’ 71, left both players tied for the lead, forcing a playoff.

Abom is ranked No. 912 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings.

On the first playoff hole, Abom narrowly missed a 20-foot birdie putt, resulting in a par and extending the match. However, on the second extra hole, he delivered a clutch performance, hitting a precise 9-iron from 146 yards to within three feet of the hole and sinking the birdie putt to secure the championship.

Sykes finished as the runner-up with rounds of 68-73-70-71, for a total score of 6-under. The 2022 edition champion and runner-up in the previous edition, Quentin Carew, recorded rounds of 71-74-74-73, finishing tied for 14th.

Results: Irish Amateur Close

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Thomas Abom	, Ireland	400	66-73-71-72=282
2	Richard Sykes	, Ireland	300	68-73-70-71=282
3	Hugh Foley	, Ireland	200	70-71-75-69=285
4	Ryan Griffin	, Ireland	200	75-73-73-66=287
T4	Sean Keeling	, Ireland	200	66-69-79-73=287

View full results for Irish Amateur Close

About the Irish Amateur Close

Thomas Abom pulls off dramatic victory at Irish Amateur Close Championship

The tournament is open to all Clubs affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland. Format is 64-player match play, preceded by a 36-hole stroke play qualifier.