Higgins holes crucial putt as Ireland win Euro Amateurs
Thomas Higgins secured a victory for Ireland at the European Amateur Team Championships in Estonia by sinking a crucial 20-foot putt. This win marks Ireland's first European title since 2008.
Why it matters
The victory is a significant milestone for Irish amateur golf, ending an 18-year title drought and highlighting the development of young talent in the sport.
Roscommon golfer Thomas Higgins turned agony into ecstasy in Estonia this afternoon as he sunk the crucial putt to help Ireland end an 18-year wait for glory.
The 23-year-old Clemson star sunk a 20-foot putt to secure the European Amateur Team Championships on the 20th hole against hosts Estonia.
All of the pressure was on Higgins with the match tied 3-3, a year on from his heartbreaking loss against Denmark on the 20th hole in Killarney.
Royal Birkdale bound, Amateur champion Stuart Grehan (Co Louth), and Matt McClean (Malone) had already won their singles matches, following a morning foursomes victory for McClean and Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk).
And although he put his tee shot into the water, Higgins recovered brilliantly against Kevin Christopher Jegers, to seal a famous win for Damien Coyne's side.
"It was one of the best feelings ever," said Ireland captain Coyne.
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