Stuart Grehan's return to elite amateur golf continues to gain momentum.
The Eastern Michigan University graduate produced a dominant performance at County Louth Golf Club, posting rounds of 70-69-67-65 to finish at 17-under 271 and win the East of Ireland Men's Amateur Open Championship by six shots.
The victory earned Grehan his second East of Ireland title, 11 years after his first triumph in 2015, and made him the first County Louth member to capture the championship on home soil since 1985.
Grehan entered the final round with a comfortable six-shot advantage and never gave the field an opening. His closing 65 matched the low round of the championship and established a new tournament scoring record, eclipsing previous marks in one of Ireland's most prestigious amateur events.
While the result was largely settled before the closing holes, Grehan provided one unforgettable moment for the home crowd. On the 207-yard par-3 17th, he aced the hole, sending spectators around Baltray into celebration as he put the finishing touches on a memorable week.
Caolan Rafferty mounted the strongest challenge. The 2024 champion matched Grehan's final-round 65 to finish runner-up at 11-under 277 after rounds of 72-71-69-65.
Defending champion David Howard was unable to contend this year, finishing tied for 17th at 1-over 289 following rounds of 74-71-74-70.
The victory is another significant achievement in what has become a remarkable comeback season for Grehan. After returning to top-level amateur competition in 2025, he has already added victories at both the Irish Men's Amateur Open Championship and Irish Men's Amateur Close Championship to his résumé.
Now he adds another milestone: a record-setting East of Ireland title won at his home club, in front of family, friends, and one of the largest galleries of the championship week.
County Louth had more to celebrate than just Grehan's victory. Clubmate Gavin Tiernan secured the Under-21 title, closing with a 69 to finish three shots ahead of Grange's Ciaran Murphy.