Offaly golfer hoping to repeat major amateur open success

Tullamore's Stuart Grehan is hoping to defend his Flogas Irish Men’s Amateur Open Championships at Seapoint Golf Club this weekend.

The Offaly golfer started his first round of this year's competition this morning (Thursday) with the goal of retaining his title by the close of weekend play.

The County Louth Golf Club member claimed the 2025 Championship with a play-off win over English opponent Lewy Hayward.

Grehan was later named on the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team which lost out to the USA in Pebble Beach California in September of last year.

Grehan has carried his rich vein of form into the early part of this season. A tied tenth finish at the European Nations Championship in Sotogrande was followed by a sixth place finish at the Lytham Trophy last week, setting him up nicely as he aims to retain his crown on the east coast links.

Reflecting on his 2025 Flogas Irish Men’s Amateur Open Championships success, Grehan said it was a moment he fondly remembers, made all the sweeter by it being so close to home.

“It was just a sense of relief, to be honest. I didn't feel too much pressure. It was just the relief of winning and getting it done. It's something I always wanted to do ever since the event was announced there.

“Having my son there winning it was pretty cool. It was the first time he was on the golf course really. That was one thing that will always stick in my head, it was a special moment for me and my family," Grehan said.