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.