Irish glory for Carryduff golfer Gareth

Irish glory for Carryduff golfer Gareth

4 July 2012

A YOUNG Carryduff golfer has swung his way in style to the coveted Irish Boys title.

Seventeen year-old Gareth Lappin (inset), added his name to a long list of big-name winners when he produced a barnstorming performance at the Hermitage Club in Dublin to win by an amazing eight shots.

Previous winners of the Irish Boys trophy include Rory McIlroy, Michael Hoey and Damien McGrane.

Gareth, who plays out of Belvoir Park in Belfast, burned up the famous Dublin course last week with a glittering array of shots that literally spread-eagled the chasing pack.

Having opened his account on Wednesday with a 69, solid rounds of 73, 70 and 75 as the weather deteriorated, followed to give him a winning score of three over par.

Gareth, who just turned seventeen years of age last week, lives in Carryduff and started his club golf at Rockmount Golf Club.

He left Rockmount to go to Belvoir playing off a 23 handicap and in five years he has gone from a 23 handicap to playing off scratch under the supervision of his coach Mr. Michael McGivern.

He played for Belvoir at senior level last year and helped them win the Belfast & District Cup. He signalled his potential throughout the year and was unbeaten throughout the course of the competition. He was also in the Belvoir team which won the Fred Daly Plate last year.

Gareth is in the U-18 Ulster Boys’ squad and after this win at the Irish Boys will now be on the panel for the Irish Boys’ team.

As far as his future goes, he would like to represent Ireland and progress his amateur career, then see what the future holds for him.

The Golfing Union of Ireland, Ulster Branch, deserve many thanks for all the coaching and support that they have given to Gareth.