FOUR DAYS AGO, Paul Dunne was barely known within Irish golfing circles, let alone further afield.
As he prepared for his second Open, the 22-year-old from Greystones was mistaken on more than one occasion for Jordan Spieth. Both of are similar age, similar build and are kitted out head-to-toe in Under Armour apparel.
Now, he’s ready to make a name for himself.
This afternoon, the former Blackrock College student attempts to become the first amateur to win the Open since 1933 and, as you would expect, his incredible rise has created headlines around the world.
While his Open tilt has created quite a stir at home, Dunne’s picture is also plastered on most UK newspapers this morning as the media try and establish who this new kid on the block is and where he has come from.
The Guardian say the Irishman is ‘within 18 holes of the sporting story of a lifetime’ with James Riach leading with ‘Paul Dunne: the autograph that everyone suddenly wants at St Andrews.’
The Telegraph go with the link between Dunne and Graeme McDowell, both University of Alabama alumni. ‘A bashful and unassuming amateur from County Wicklow,’ writes Oliver Brown.
Across the Atlantic, the Golf Channel leads with ‘Dunne-believable’ while in Alabama, local newspapers are brimming with coverage of the UAB graduate’s incredible week.
Here’s a selection of the back pages:
