Stuart Grehan won The Amateur Championship in Royal Liverpool
11:19, 22 Jun 2026Updated 11:29, 22 Jun 2026
Stuart Grehan after winning the 2026 Amateur Championship (Image: Oisin Keniry/R&A via Getty Images)
Shane Lowry sent a message to Stuart Grehan to congratulate his fellow Offaly man on his stunning victory at The Amateur Championship in Royal Liverpool over the weekend.
The 33-year-old followed up his recent East of Ireland triumph with a superb week in Hoylake, becoming the 131st Amateur Champion while booking his spot at this year’s Open, plus the Masters and US Open in 2027.
The Tullamore native navigated a formidable field before securing a 1 hole victory over Matt Moloney (USA) in the final, making Grehan the first Irish winner of this competition since James Sugrue in 2019, with fellow Co Louth clubman Gavin Tiernan narrowly missing out in last year’s deciding match.
Sharing a photo on his Instagram story on Saturday, Lowry wrote “Congrats @stuartgrehan,” along with a clapping hands and shamrock emojis.
Lowry had a disappointing time at the US Open after failing to miss the cut following a three-over-par 73 for the second day in a row on Friday to finish on six-over for the tournament.
“I’d love to know what’s going on, and I’m beating my head against a brick wall,” Lowry said following the disappointment.
“I felt like I rolled the ball pretty well. I felt like I did a lot of things well, and I’m going home Friday evening. It’s pretty s***, to be honest.”
Grehan, who claimed both the Flogas Irish Men’s Amateur Open Championship and AIG Irish Men’s Amateur Close Championship last year, displayed remarkable heart and resolve throughout the 36 hole final. Grehan found himself three holes down after 12, but staged a remarkable comeback to trail by just one at the halfway point.
He seized the initiative in the afternoon, claiming the opening two holes, and though he had a couple of opportunities to close out the match earlier, he ultimately sealed victory on the 36th and final hole.
The triumph represents a landmark achievement in a Walker Cup year, with that prestigious fixture set to be held at Lahinch.
“I still can’t believe it, I am just so relieved. My legs were shaking coming up the 18th, just absolutely over the moon,” said Grehan.
“I was thinking of all sorts over that first putt there but delighted just to get it done.
“It’s been amazing, it was boisterous out there today which was nice. It was just amazing to have everyone over and to get the job done. We were very close last year with Gavin nearly winning as well.
“I had a reset at lunch, my coach is actually over, Dave Ruddy, so we went to the range and talked it over. Just a couple of small bits and I actually played quite well that side, I hit the ball really well, made a few mental errors but that’s always going to happen over 36 holes.
“I just kept the head down, tried to stay calm, as calm as possible but I’m just over the moon.”
Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly commented: “It’s a brilliant achievement and we are delighted for Stuart.
“The Amateur Championship is one of the biggest tests in golf, where you have to come through stroke play and a full week of match play.
“We’ve known for a long time the quality Stuart has, as evidenced by his brilliant season last year and recent win in Baltray. To see him deliver it on this stage is hugely rewarding for him and everyone who has worked with him along the way.
“Stuart’s success adds to Ireland’s strong tradition in the amateur ranks and provides another boost ahead of the European Team Championships.”
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