Waterford's Robin Dawson went wire to wire to win the Flogas Irish Amateur Open Championship at Royal County Down.
Dawson finished four strokes clear of the field on two under par after carding a final round of 77.
The 22-year-old Tramore international began the day with a six-shot cushion and while it was plain sailing for much of the afternoon, he very nearly lost his grip on the tournament at the 15th where he ran up a triple bogey seven.
From what had seemed an unassailable position Dawson saw his lead halved from six to three. Castle's Alex Gleeson, playing alongside Dawson in the final group, was now in the picture but his hopes were dashed at 17 when he three-putted his way to a double bogey.
Dawson could unwind at last: "I can finally relax after four days. There have been a few sleepless nights the last couple of nights, and I am just relieved. That's the word."
The champion emerged from the moment of victory with mixed emotions. Elation was obvious and relief was palpable. This win has been a long time coming.
