Several months ago we were delighted to learn that Gary Hurley had been given the great honour of joining the Walker Cup team, making up one of five Irish members of the UK and Ireland team destined to take on the United States at Royal Lytham & St Annes, Livcerpool. This was the first time Ireland had fielded so many representatives on the Walker Cup team, and we were confident that Gary will show everyone why he earned this place on the team.

Gary has already proven himself to be an extremely good golfer, and our belief in him was well placed as he surpassed his previous exploits, which included reaching the final stages in international Amateur competitions in the past. Having been a beaten finalist at the Spanish Amateur and was runner-up for the second successive year at the European Amateur this was his moment of victory as he helped the team not only win, but win the Walker Cup in record-breaking fashion at Royal Lytham, winning 16.5 to 9.5.

He has decided now to turn professional, and we wish him well in his endeavours. We are all keeping an eye and an ear out for his future exploits. Will he follow in the footsteps of Irish golfing greats such as Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy, both of whom earlier in their careers were on Walker Cup teams, and hit the dizziest of heights in world golf? We hope so!