David Howard delivered a composed and clinical final-day performance at County Louth Golf Club to capture the 2025 Pharmaher East of Ireland Men’s Amateur Open Championship, his maiden Golf Ireland title.
The 26-year-old Fota Island golfer was the only player in the field to post four par or better rounds, finishing on five-under-par to secure a one-shot victory after a tense final day in Baltray.
“Starting to sink in now after the presentation, it feels really good. Happy to do it with friends and family and my girlfriend here and my dad on the bag,” said Howard.
“Really happy to get my name on this trophy. Feels incredible.”
Howard began Monday’s 36-hole finale in a share of fourth place on three-under, trailing overnight leaders David Kitt (Athenry) and local favourite Gerard Dunne by two shots. As tough east coast winds persisted through the third round, many faltered, but Howard remained steady, carding his second consecutive level-par round to enter the final stretch tied for second alongside Kitt and Stuart Grehan.
At the top sat 19-year-old County Louth star Gavin Tiernan, who led the way on five-under heading into the afternoon round. Howard, Grehan and Tiernan would do battle across the afternoon session as the Cork native saved some of his best for last. His driving and chipping two stand out weapons as he chipped away at Tiernan’s lead.
“I drove the ball really well all week, that’s been my strong point in general but especially this week off the tee it’s been really good. My short game was pretty good all four rounds,” said Howard.
“Putter kind of let me down today but made a couple coming in. Got enough to get the job done.”
Meanwhile, Dun Laoghaire’s Robert Abernethy surged into contention with a brilliant closing day. After a six-under 66 in the third round, he followed up with a three-under 69, capped off with a birdie on the 9th (his 18th) and a massive fist pump as he set the clubhouse target at four-under.
Howard, unaware of the standings continued his solid play. Birdies on 12 and 14 gave him a narrow edge, but a bogey on 17 meant he needed at least a four on the Par 5 18th to seal the win. With dad John informing him on the fairway that he “needed to hit the green” Howard responded with a perfectly struck second shot to inside 15 feet. He then lagged his eagle putt to within a foot, tapped in for birdie, and celebrated emotionally with family and friends, sealing his victory with a kiss from his partner Gabrielle.
“The tee shot on the last suits my little fade so was able to let one fly down the last,” said Howard.
“I also asked my dad on the putt do I need to make this or not and he said no so just lagged it up there and had a foot, which I didn’t know was for the win, but to have that putt for the win was a nice way to seal it off.”
Courtesy Irish Golfer
