Galbraith fires his way to Ulster title

CARRICK golfer John Ross Galbraith has one of Rory McIlroy’s records well within his sights.

For the talented teenager, who won the Ulster Boys’ Amateur Open Chamionship this week, is aiming to become only the second player ever after the current US Open winner to defend the title.

Galbraith, a member of Whitehead Golf Club, stormed to victory with a seven-shot win at the prestigious competition on Thursday. He told the Times he is going all-out to retain the trophy.

“The only player to defend their win is Rory McIlroy. I have met him before and he is a big role model for me,” John Ross said.

“It means everything to me to have won this competition. It was the one event I really wanted to win and, thankfully I did it.”

The 17-year-old led from beginning to end at Malone and finished ahead of Balmoral’s Matthew McClean shooting a final round of two-under 69.

There was a bit of a scare for Galbraith when he shot a third-round 78 allowing McClean to close the gap to just two shots going in to the final round. But birdies at the second and fifth holes followed by a two at the sixth put him firmly in the driving seat.

“I felt comfortable leading from the front and I wasn’t nervous at all,” he said. “I hope to go and defend the title next year.”

The former Carrick College pupil began playing golf at the age of 10. “My mum bought me golf clubs and I went out and played with my granda and it all came from there. He has helped me a lot as has Colin Farr at Whitehead Golf Club.”

Galbraith, who said he has a packed schedule ahead for the remainder of the summer, definitely has a bright future ahead of him.