McClean takes US Mid-Am to set up dream Masters ticket

Matthew McClean came out on top against Hugh Foley in the all-Irish US Mid-Amateur Championship in Wisconsin to take the prestigious title and likely book a dream ticket to next year's Masters at Augusta.

Both men accounted for 'local' lads in their respective semi-finals, and both on a 3&2 scoreline in the matchplay section of the competition.

The No 5-ranked Foley, who plays out of Royal Dublin GC, saw off Bryce Hanstad (ranked 32) to reach the decider. Belfast man McClean, ranked No 7, held off the 35th-raned player, Josh Persons.

No Irishman had ever reached a USGA final before the two good pals made history.

In the end, McClean held off a stubborn Foley for victory. The men - who roomed together during the event - will both be exempt for the 2023 US Amateur in Colorado, while McClean earns an exemption to next year's US Open and is very likely to receive a coveted invitation to Augusta National.

Éirinn go Brách!