It’s been nearly 100 years since an amateur last won The Open, with Bobby Jones claiming his third Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool back in 1930.
Since then, there have still been some impressive showings from non-professionals. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy both took home the Silver Medal during their early days, while Jordan Niebrugge set a new low score for an amateur in 2015.
The St Andrews tournament was a standout one for amateurs in general.
Five made the cut that week, with Niebrugge finishing tied for sixth and both Ashley Chesters and Ollie Schniederjans ending up tied for 12th.
But it was actually another amateur who became the first since 1927 to lead The Open after three rounds that year.
Paul Dunne’s run at St Andrews: the amateur who led after 54 holes
Paul Dunne made his way into the Open field through qualifying at Woburn, where Retief Goosen, a two-time US Open champion, also earned their spot.
Dunne had missed the cut the previous year at Hoylake – the same course where Bobby Jones won in 1930. But he started well in Scotland, posting back-to-back rounds of 69 to make it through to the weekend.
A Saturday 66 put him level with Louis Oosthuizen and Jason Day heading into Sunday. Playing alongside Oosthuizen in that third round, Dunne drew praise from the South African for his composure and shot-making.
“He’s played unbelievable. That second shot on 17 was one of the best I’ve seen. I think he made me so nervous on my second shot because I was going the complete different route, low, running up there, and I tugged it a little bit to the left. But it was an amazing shot. He deserved to birdie that,” Oosthuizen said.
The final round didn’t go as planned for Dunne. He carded a 78 to finish tied for 30th, while Zach Johnson claimed his second major title.
Dunne turned professional later that year and went on to win the British Masters in 2017 by three shots over Rory McIlroy.
After watching Dunne close with a final-round 61 at Close House, McIlroy spoke highly of him:
“Incredible, to shoot 61 to win his first Tour event, it’s incredibly impressive. I’m happy for him, as well. He works hard on his game. Every time I’m out practicing or on the putting green, the chipping green, he’s always there and he’s always working hard. So it’s very well deserved,” he said.
Paul Dunne takes on caddying role for Georgia Hall
Paul Dunne hasn’t been seen on the DP World Tour since 2022, though he’s continued to play in several HotelPlanner Tour events, which is the second tier of European golf.
More recently, Dunne has taken up caddying duties for Georgia Hall, including this week at the Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links.
The two also announced their engagement on social media ahead of the tournament.
Hall won her first major title back in 2018 at Lytham St Annes, and with The Open heading to Porthcawl next week, they’ll be hoping she can add another major win to her record.
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