Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Eamon Doggett

Irish pair Hugh Foley and Matthew McClean battling it out for place in Masters and US Open

Irish amateurs Hugh Foley and Matthew McClean are battling it out in the final of the US Mid-Amateur Championship for a place in next year's Masters and US Open.

The pair have seen off many of the world's top amateurs to make the final after journeying together to Erin Hills Golf Club in Wisconsin.

What's more, the Irish duo have been staying together all week having planned this trip long in advance.

The final is played over 36 holes, with Belfast's McClean holding a 2-up lead after the 18 holes played on Friday.

“Insane,” said Dubliner Foley, 25, of them both reaching the final. “We’ve been planning this for months.

"We heard [defending champion] Stewart Hagestad, No. 8 in the world [ranking], we were like, ‘I don't know, will we make the cut?’

"You're traveling all that way and hoping you don't miss the cut. Me and Matt have spent every second of the trip together.”

Their exploits have gained the attention of Irish golf legends Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry.

Harrington said: "Very impressive performance by these two Irish lads who traveled to a one off event outside their comfort zone and are playing off in the final."

While Lowry tweeted: "Good luck lads, following along."

The prize for the winner is one of the most prestigious amateur titles in golf and a ticket to next year's Masters and US Open.

Having both finished inside the top ten in the 36-hole stroke play tournament at the start of the event, the pair are the last men standing of the 64 who reached the matchplay stages.

McClean, 29, said of today's final 18 holes: “I'd say we'll talk to each other a bit, but it won't be a social round of golf. I'm sure we'll work it out, but it'll be fun either way.”

READ NEXT:

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.