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.
Reaction and Perspective
“Buzzing,” said Rafferty. “It was stressful, it wasn’t easy, it was never going to be easy. I made it a little bit tricky with a couple of silly shots at the wrong time, but I’m just delighted to get over the line.”
He laughed off suggestions of greatness: “I’m still just a little fat fella from Dundalk if the truth was known! I’m shocked I’m the first to do it, but it’s a great feeling to have all four.”
Rafferty added that seeing Maisie softened the pressure: “I call her my wee teddy bear. Golf feels different now — there’s more to life — but to finish the way I did, with a birdie on the hardest hole, it’s a memory for life.”
Looking Ahead
Rafferty will represent Ireland at the World Amateur Team Championships in Singapore next month, carrying fresh confidence and the distinction of being the only player to complete Ireland’s provincial Grand Slam.
