COMEBACK STORY: Reinstated amateur Stewart Grehan wins Irish Open Amateur

May 11, 2025 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff

Grehan wins a playoff over Lewy Hayward while Matthew McClean nearly matches his first round course record 64 to finish third

Stuart Grehan's triumphant return to amateur golf culminated in a thrilling victory at the 2025 Flogas Irish Amateur Open Championship, held at Seapoint Golf Links in County Louth. Grehan, representing nearby County Louth Golf Club, delivered a bogey-free final round of 66 to tie England's Lewy Hayward at 15-under-par 273 after 72 holes. The championship was decided on the third playoff hole, where Grehan secured the win, marking a significant milestone in his comeback journey.

Seapoint Golf Links, a true links course established in 1993, provided a picturesque yet challenging backdrop for the tournament. Situated along Termonfeckin Beach, the course features undulating fairways and panoramic views of the Irish Sea, offering a classic links experience. The weather during the final round was favorable, with temperatures around 62°F (17°C) and minimal wind, contributing to the low scoring and competitive play.

The 32-year-old Offaly native, who now lives in nearby Termonfeckin, was thrilled with the result in a place where he's at peace.

“Delighted with everything, being close to home. I walk my dog here pretty much every night in the winter. I’m absolutely delighted. The biggest event in Ireland as well so thrilled, absolutely thrilled,” said Grehan.

Grehan's victory is particularly noteworthy given his recent reinstatement to amateur status. He turned professional in 2017 after a solid amateur career during which he was ranked inside the top 150 globally and held the No. 1 amateur spot in Ireland. Grehan returned to the amateur ranks in 2025 and quickly made an impact. His semifinal finish at the West of Ireland Amateur earlier this year signaled his resurgence, and the Irish Amateur Open title further cements his status among the elite amateurs.

Defending champion Matt McClean, the top-ranked player in the AmateurGolf.com Mid-Amateur Rankings, demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament. Despite a third-round 76, McClean rebounded with a final-round 65, the lowest of the day, propelling him to a solo third-place finish. His performance underscores his consistency and competitiveness at the highest levels of amateur golf.

The 2025 Irish Amateur Open at Seapoint Golf Links not only highlighted individual excellence but also showcased the depth of talent in amateur golf. With 34 of the remaining 59 players shooting par or better in the final round, the championship affirmed its reputation as a premier event, offering a platform for emerging and returning talents to shine.

(Photo courtesy Irish Golf Union)

54 HOLE SUMMARY

Lewy Hayward and Gerard Dunne lead the 2025 Irish Amateur Open Championship at Seaport Golf Links heading into the final round. Hayward and Dunne are 12-under with 18 holes remaining at Seaport. Hayward has carded rounds of 69-65-70 while Dunne has carded rounds of 67-67-70.

Matt Roberts is in solo third place at 10-under. Stuart Grehan and Archie Davis are T4 at 9-under to round out the top five.

Matthew McClean, currently ranked No. 1 in the AmateurGolf.com Mid-Amateur Rankings, shot a third round 4-over 76 after holding the 18 and 36-hole lead to fall to T7 and 6-under, six shots back of the lead.

ROUND TWO RECAP

After carding an opening round 8-under 64 and setting a new course record at Seapoint Golf Links, Matthew McClean followed up the stellar round with a 2-under 70 to get to 10-under and T1 at the halfway point of the 2025 Irish Amateur Open Championship.

McClean recorded two birdies and three bogeys on the front nine, but a birdie on No. 14 and a hole-out eagle on No. 16 saw him get into the clubhouse at 10-under.

Lewy Hayward and Gerard Dunne are also T1 and 10-under with McClean. Hayward has carded rounds of 69-65, while Dunne has carded rounds of 67-67.

Stuart Grehan is in solo fourth place at 9-under, and Archie Davies and Greg Holmes are T5 at 8-under.

ROUND ONE RECAP

Top-ranked mid-amateur and 2024 Irish Amateur Open champion Matthew McClean opened his title defense strong at the 2025 Irish Amateur Open Championship at Seapoint Golf Links in Ireland, shooting an 8-under 64, a course record at Seapoint Golf Links.

The 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur champion recorded seven birdies, an eagle, and a bogey en route to his 64. He finished his round with birdies on holes No. 16, 17, and 18 to set the course record.

“It’s nice to get a course record, it’s not the goal to go and shoot course records, but it’s always lovely to get one, especially with that nice putt on the last," McClean told Irish Golfer after his round. "Putted nicely today, didn’t do a huge amount wrong, held on a bit with some nice saves around the middle,” explained the former US Mid-Am winner and Walker Cup player."

He added, “First day, the course is playing tricky in a few spots in places, but nice to get around and make a few birdies.”

McClean is coming into this one playing solid golf, coming off a T3 finish at the Lytham Trophy last week.

Charlie McDonnell is in solo second place at 7-under 65, while Stuart Grehan and Caelan Coleman are T3 at 6-under.

Results: Irish Amateur Open

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Stuart Grehan	, Ireland	500	66-69-72-66=273
2	Lewy Hayward	, England	400	69-65-70-69=273
3	Matthew McClean	, Northern Ireland	300	64-70-76-65=275
4	Matt Roberts	, Wales	300	68-71-67-71=277
5	Greg Holmes	, England	300	67-69-73-68=277

View full results for Irish Amateur Open

About the Irish Amateur Open

COMEBACK STORY: Reinstated amateur Stewart Grehan wins Irish Open Amateur

First played in 1892 and held every year with the exception of the War Years up to 1959, and revived in 1995, the Irish Amateur Open can boast a strong history of producing great Champions including Joe Carr (three times), Jimmy Bruen, Tom Craddock, ...