Dundalk’s Caolan Rafferty became the first player in history to capture all four Irish provincial championships after winning the North of Ireland Amateur Open at Portstewart. The 32-year-old now owns titles in the South (2018), West (2019), East (2024), and North (2025) — a career Grand Slam that eluded even some of Ireland’s greatest players.

Final Round Drama

Rafferty began the final day tied for the lead with Cathal MacCanna (Carton House) and surged ahead with three birdies in his first six holes. But Portstewart demanded patience — dropped shots at 17, 18, and 6 slowed his progress, and an untimely three-putt on 11 tightened the chase.

England’s Ben Willis went on a charge, making three straight birdies from the 11th and adding another at 15. Andrew Mulholland of Castlerock carded a flawless 68 to post two-under in the clubhouse. Both lipped out short birdie putts late, giving Rafferty a narrow window to close the door.

With the championship hanging in the balance, Rafferty found inspiration when he spotted his eight-month-old daughter Maisie beside the 17th tee. He struck two crisp shots and rolled in a crucial birdie to regain the lead, then calmly two-putted the last to secure victory on three-under-par 281 after a final-round 70.

A Slam That Eluded Legends

Irish amateur golf has seen countless champions, but none before Rafferty managed the full sweep. Joe Carr, Barry Reddan, Mark Gannon, Hugh Foley, Darren Clarke, Garth McGimpsey, David Long, and Arthur Pierse each fell short of at least one provincial crown. Rafferty’s triumph now places him in a category of one.