Paul Dunne’s near miss at the Open has opened a huge opportunity for him in America

'Hon the Dunner

It wasn't to be at the Open championship last month at St Andrews, but Paul Dunne is very much on the golf radar after his incredible run and now he's been given a potential major career boost. The Irishman has been given a special exemption that will allow him to play in this year's U.S. Amateur Championship, which gets underway at Olympia Fields Illonois later this month. The golfer, who was only the second amateur player to ever to hold the lead of the Open after 54 holes, eventually came home 30th and missed out on the best amateur prize. However he clearly impressed more than a few people Stateside and the competiton will be Dunne''s first ever USGA event. Speaking about his inclusion, chairman of the USGA's championship committee, Diana M. Murphy, said that everyone is excited to see Dunne in action later this month.

"Paul Dunne demonstrated his ability to compete with anyone by his outstanding play in the recent British Open at St. Andrews." "The USGA is pleased that he will be joining the strong international field of 312 players in the U.S. Amateur, our oldest national championship, at Olympia Fields.”

H/T USGA