Thomas Abom has the chance to make history this weekend and become the first golfer to defend the AIG Irish Men’s Amateur Close Championship since Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy, who won this title in 2005 and 2006, was victorious when the event last took place in Westport and with the event returning to the county Mayo venue tomorrow, the Edmondstown golfer is eyeing up more history.
The then 19-year-old Abom claimed the title in dramatic fashion at Dun Laoghaire last year, defeating hometown favourite Richard Sykes on the 20th hole of their playoff to become the first Edmondstown player to win an Irish championship, a winning moment that remains fresh in his mind.
“When I think back, I just think of all the Dun Laoghaire members around and then there was about 10 supporters from Edmondstown,” said Abom.
“The second hole, when I hit the shot to four feet and just the 10 people from Edmondstown going crazy, and then making the putt, that’s what really comes to mind, the winning putt, the winning moment, I would play that a lot in my head.”
Since that breakthrough, Abom has been in strong form at home and abroad. A runner-up finish at the Boyd Quaich Memorial Tournament in Scotland, a top five at the Mullingar Scratch Trophy, and a Scratch Cup victory at Hermitage Golf Club have all fuelled his confidence heading into one of the biggest events of the year.
“I’ve been playing well. I’ve been putting myself in good chances to win. I just need to piece it all together, but I’m happy with my game,” said Abom.
“The game feels good, so no reason why I can’t go out and win it.”
The championship’s 72-hole stroke play format will see the first round played on Friday and the second round on Saturday, followed by 36 holes on Sunday to crown the winner, and having been through it all on his way to victory last year, Abom knows patience will be key.
“With four round tournaments, there’s always going to be lads shooting low in the first round, but what you come to realise is that it’s the lads who can stick around, and then you pounce”, said Abom.
“You’ve got four rounds, so it’s kind of a slow burn. Just waiting for your time.”
West, East and South of Ireland champions Dylan Holmes (Greystones), David Howard (Fota Island) and Jonathan Keane (Lahinch) will be among the field while there will also be strong Mayo interest, led by Westport’s own Conor Stapleton and former member Harry Gillivan (Portmarnock).
Ryan Corrigan and Kevin Barry (both Castlebar), Max Humphreys (Ballinrobe), Cormac Ó Muirithe (Belmullet), John William Burke (Ballyhaunis) and Michael Joyce (Mulranny) will also carry home county hopes.
Abom begins his defence from the first tee at 1.59pm on Friday alongside Robert Abernethy (Dun Laoghaire) and Conor McCarthy (Headfort).
“Obviously the end goal is to win, but there’s still lots of things you can learn about tournaments, even if it doesn’t go well,” said Abom.
“This is the big one to defend the title, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
View tee times and scoring here.
