Newton sweeps field at 2019 Flogas Am Open
GUI president Jim McGovern presents the trophy to the winner James Newton of the 2019 Flogas Irish Amateur Open Championship, with Kevin Flanagan, club captain, Co. Sligo Golf Club, Rosses Point and John Rooney, managing director, Flogas Ireland.
Not even a late triple bogey could derail England's James Newton on his march to victory at the Flogas Irish Amateur Open at the Co. Sligo Golf Club, Rosses Point, which ran from 16-19 May 2019. Five clear at the start of play, Newton ended the round as he had begun, five strokes ahead of his closest challenger, Portmarnock's Conor Purcell.
"I knew that I could win," said Newton. "One of my goals was to win a 72-hole event. I've ticked that off quite early. I need to go back and re-evaluate my goals now."
At the start of the week, Newton's name was not among the list of favourites. He travelled by ferry from Holyhead with precious few credentials but two rounds of 66 testified to the quality of his game. Two ahead at the halfway stage, Newton punched in 69 after round three to bolster his lead. In the end, he succeeded by a distance.
Purcell closed with 72 to finish runner up on four under. His form no doubt will have pleased the watching Walker Cup selectors. "All you can do is put yourself in the mix," said Purcell when asked about his Walker Cup prospects. "I've had what I consider a good start to the year. I just need to push on from here."
Commenting on this year’s event, John Rooney, managing director, Flogas Ireland, said, “It was a terrific competition and it’s always thrilling from a spectator’s point of view when a ‘dark horse’ emerges to shake up the play! We congratulate James Newton on his win and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”