Selfridge a four-time "major" winner after North defence

Chris Selfridge from Moyola along with (left) Andrew Spence of Cathedral Eye Clinic and (right) Peter Sinclair Chairman of the GUI Ulster Branch

Moyola Park's Chris Selfridge is  a four-time amateur major winner after he dug deep when it counted to see off rising star Robin Dawson by one hole to retain the Cathedral Eye Clinic sponsored North of Ireland Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush.

“I felt under pressure today and it felt like I played some of my worst golf in the final,” said the 22-year-old from Castledawson, who became the first player since Paddy Gribben in 1999 to retain the title.

“I got the ball in the hole and and I got over the line but the golf wasn’t flowing as in previous rounds.”

Selfridge has now won four amateur majors - the East and the Close in 2012 and the last two Norths. With his Close title also coming at Royal Portrush, he could be forgiven for dreaming big when the Open Championship eventually visits the Dunluce links.

North of Ireland Amateur Championship

Sponsored by Cathedral Eye Clinic

Semi-finals: David Mulholland (Castlerock) lost to Chris Selfridge (Moyola Park) 3&2; Robin Dawson (Faithlegg) bt Richard Bridges (Stackstown) 2&1

Final: Chris Selfridge bt Robin Dawson 1 hole