Sharon Conway and Michael Wynne of Rathcore Golf Club in County Meath claimed an emotional win in The R&A 9 Hole Challenge Final at Royal Portrush, securing victory just days before the world’s top male golfers take on the same course for The 153rd Open.
The event drew global participation, with over 711,000 nine-hole rounds played by hopefuls from ten countries, including Argentina, Australia, and South Africa. Just 40 finalists earned the opportunity to compete on the iconic Dunluce Links, with Conway and Wynne emerging as champions with a nett Stableford score of 37 points across holes 1, 2, and 12–18.
This marks the third straight year an Irish team has won the Challenge Final.
A visibly emotional Conway said:
“I’m speechless, which is rare for me. Playing Portrush was incredible, especially with the views on the back nine. I dedicate this to my late in-laws who passed away recently—it’s been a hard couple of weeks. I think they pulled a few strings for us today.”
Wynne echoed the sentiment:
“We’re thrilled. Playing Portrush was the real prize, and the atmosphere out there was incredible. The course is pristine—next week’s players are in for a real test if the wind picks up.”
Teenage duo Harry Blood (14) and Andrew McWhirter from Brighton & Hove finished runners-up with 36 points, while South African team Barend Botha and Daryn Shepherd claimed third via countback on 34 points. Another 14-year-old, Jack West of Scotland, played alongside his dad, Neil, highlighting the family-friendly nature of the format.
The R&A 9 Hole Challenge has seen global growth, with nine-hole play increasing in countries like Argentina (up 42 percent), South Africa (up 4%), and Australia, where junior participation and the average age of players has notably dropped thanks to the TeeMates programme. More women are also playing nine-hole rounds than in previous years.
The initiative is part of The R&A’s wider mission to promote shorter formats of the game as accessible, time-efficient, and inclusive, supporting both competitive and recreational play under the World Handicap System™.
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