Offaly man performs more heroics as Great Britain and Ireland take dramatic win in Walker Cup

OFFALY golfer Stuart Grehan performed more heroics as Great Britain and Ireland snatched a dramatic come from behind win in the Walker Cup at Lahinch on Sunday evening, 13.5 to 12.5.

Having recorded a sensational win over the number one amateur in the world, the USA's Preston Stout in his singles match on Saturday, the Tullamore man repeated the dose to get his side going on Sunday afternoon.

Up by 6.5 to 5.5 after Saturday's two rounds, the home side were in trouble when they lost all four of their foursomes matches on Sunday morning to trail 9.5 to 6.5 heading into the decisive singles later in the afternoon. Two down after four holes, Grehan staged a fantastic recovery for the second successive day to win 2 and 1.

Great Britain and Ireland were still rank outsiders but Luke Poulter, Jack Whaley and Tyler Weaver all won the next three macthes and they were back in it.

Seeking their first win in the blue riband of amateur golf since 2015, Great Britain and Ireland were in bother again as the USA regained the momentum but they left the door open in the closing two matches.

The USA had looked invincible in the morning's foursomes in difficult conditions but Great Britain and Ireland dug deep. Connor Graham snatched a crucial half in the penultimate match out on the course against Miles Russell and it all boiled down to the final hole between Tyler Watts of the USA and Josh Hill. A superb bunker shot by Hill left him within a few feet of the pin and he held his nerve to win it after Watts was just off target with his one – a half would have been enough for the USA to retain the Walker Cup.

It made for gripping viewing and Grehan was one of the stars of the winning team. He came back from the brink of defeat to get the home side on the board in the afternoon singles as they took a 6.5 to 5.5 lead into Sunday's action.

Great Britain and Ireland were aiming for their first Walker Cup win since 2015 and Grehan paired with Elliot Baker to claim a crucial half with Preston Stout and Ethan Fang on Saturday morning.

He kept the best wine for the afternoon singles against the number one amateur in the world, Prston Stout.

Three down after losing the first three holes and still two down, Grehan displayed fantastic nerves to take the closing three holes for a sensational win, getting 20 and 14 foot birdie putts on 17 and 18.

His win was absolutely crucial as Great Britain and Ireland were beaten in the following four matches before winning the final three to grab that point lead.

It has been an emotionally testing week for Grehan as a much loved family member was buried on Saturday morning and the Walker Cup star couldn't attend for very obvious reasons.

Willie Egan, husband of Grehan's aunt, Theresa was given a terrific send off at his removal on Friday and funeral on Saturday – nee Brophy, Theresa is a sister of Stuart's mother, Helen and the golfer spoke eloquently afterwards about how his memories of Willie hung over him on Saturday. A gregarious, larger than life, much loved character, Tullamore man Willie Egan was a passionate golfer himself and a former mens' club secretary at Tullamore Golf Club.

He was in that role as Grehan made great progress in golf in Tullamore Golf Club in the mid 2000s, before turning professional after some big wins.

His heroics in Clare prompted renowned USA commentator Dan Rapaport to have a go at Grehan's former professional status, posting on Twitter: “An awesome comeback. From a man who played professional golf for seven years.”

It was a cheap shot by Rapaport as Grehan competed in subsidiary tours and a big breakthrough eluded him. While the rights and wrongs of professionals returning to the amateur game are being debated by some and it is a source of conversation, several of the US team would be competing at a full time level and come from wealthy backgrounds – even if they aren't playing for cash prizes in big tournaments.

Now a member of County Louth Golf Club in Baltray, where he lives with his wife and son, Grehan has made a sensational return to amateur ranks after giving up on his professional dream last year. He won the British Amateur Championship this year and is now playing a huge role on the Walker Cup team.