Michael Hoey held off the challenge of countrymen Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell to win the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Sunday.
The Northern Irelander's only previous top-10 finish this season saw him win the Madeira Islands Open in May, and that success clearly held him in good stead as he kept his nerve over the closing holes.
He was one behind the charging McIlroy after three-putting the 14th but a fabulous three-three-four-three finish over the tough closing holes at St Andrews
got the job done in style.
got the job done in style.McIlroy, the current US Open champion, raced to the turn in 30 which included a two at the par-four third as he emerged from the pack as Hoey's greatest rival.
A two at the 11th saw him get to -20 on another benign day at the famous course, but he was unable to better that score as he parred the final seven holes to return a 65.
Hoey's other challengers saw their efforts peter out coming home, McDowell finally settling for a 69 and joint-third place after a bogey at 17 alongside surprise package George Murray, the unheralded Scot who picked up five birdies on the front nine before parring in.
Working hard
"I just kept it going, I was struggling a bit at the start today but it's a dream come true," said the new champion, who takes home a bumper cheque of £515,000. "I hit two of the best shots of my life on 16 and 17.
"I've been working hard on my swing. I did it in Madeira earlier this year but to do it here playing with Graeme and Louis gives me a lot of confidence.
"Portugal two years ago was massive. I've done a lot of work on my putting and this will get my ranking up and get me into some bigger events.
"It's all of my dreams come true."
Louis Oosthuizen, who won last year's Open Championship at the course, finished in a share of fifth place on 17-under with Marc Warren of Scotland and England's Tommy Fleetwood, one ahead ofPadraig Harrington.
who won last year's Open Championship at the course, finished in a share of fifth place on 17-under with Marc Warren of Scotland and England's Tommy Fleetwood, one ahead ofPadraig Harrington.In the popular Pro-Am event England's Nick Dougherty teamed up with DJ Chris Evans to take the title.
