Paddy Gribben appeared bemused by the hustle and bustle, shrouded by wellwishers, barely able to acknowledge each felicitation as the throng milled around the 29-year-old Warrenpoint golfer at Dublin Airport last night.
The Irish international was not complaining, accepting that as the newly crowned European Men's Amateur Strokeplay Champion he could hardly sidestep the limelight. It was not his new found status but subsequent events that left him a little bewildered.
Encountering bus problems in France meant that he missed his scheduled flight from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to Dublin. Instead the six man Irish team had to wait four hours before switching to another flight and even then the gods decided to trifle with Gribben: his clubs had been mislaid en route. Fortunately, the impressive trophy managed the journey unscathed and the affable Ulsterman was left to recount a truly remarkable performance that had seen him eclipse Europe's elite amateur golfers. The top six players from each country arrived at Le Golf du Medoc resort in Bordeaux to vie for the European title. Gribben, with rounds of 67, 67, 69, 71 became the first Irishman to win the trophy.
It marked a fitting reward for a brave decision to re-enter the amateur ranks. Having won Ulster and Irish Boys' titles and sundry other junior competitions, represented Britain and Ireland at Boys' level and Ulster at senior grade, Gribben decided to turn professional in 1992.
There was to be no fairytale over the next few years. "I did manage to finish third in a minitour event in Chile in my first year with a one-under-par total but in truth, I really struggled. My short game and putting really let me down. I did qualify for the Irish Open in Killarney that year and up until now that would have been a personal highlight."
Disillusioned and drained of confidence, Gribben quit the pro ranks after two years and did not pick up a club for a further two. His rehabilitation came about with a change of attitude and a decision to try and solve his putting ills with the broom handle putter. He has not looked back since.
Last year, Gribben won his first senior cap when playing in the Home Internationals, a reward for several excellent displays in amateur golf's `majors'. This season he progressed further winning the North of Ireland Championship and three weeks ago in a club singles competition obliterated the course record at Warrenpoint with a staggering 61 gross, 63 nett for the plus two handicapper - his handicap would go to plus three as a result of his exploits that day.
His round, in the company of Tony Keenan (14) and Pat McAteer (9), consisted of 10 birdies and eight pars, smashing the previous record, 65, held by Kenny Stevenson. "The guys were really good. They picked up their balls on several occasions just to keep the rhythm going." He received the princely sum of £2 for his 61 from his playing partners. Little wonder then that he should have accomplished the improbable in Bordeaux.
"My expectations were extremely limited before I went out. I just wanted to produce a good performance. I knew I was up against the top boys but after two 67s, I started to believe. "It was a very wooded course so it was all about hitting fairway and greens. I hit 62 greens in regulation in 72 holes." Ten under for the first three rounds, Gribben had managed to get to 11 under by the time he stood on the 17th tee on the final day. Walking off the green after a three-putt at the par three he heard that Gary Wolstenholme was on nine under, one shot behind.
"I hit a good drive on 18 and while I was walking to the ball I heard a roar from the green up ahead. I assumed that he (Wolstenholme) had made a par four. I hit a three iron for my second that just rolled off the side but the difficulty with the chip was that you needed to land it about three feet onto the putting surface and just let it roll down.
"I left it on top of the ridge. I then thought, `okay make it down in two and head for the playoff." There was no need as Gribben holed from 50 feet to be then told by the Irish contingent that five would have been enough for victory. "This has given me more belief, perhaps convinced me that I have the game, the ability to succeed at the highest level in the amateur game."
And with that the self effacing Ulsterman accepted final congratulations and rejoined his family and friends possibly contemplating the invite that his victory guaranteed, a place in next year's British Open at Carnoustie. Nice guys can finish first.
Meanwhile, Ulster have to plan without the considerable talents of David Jones and Robin Symes as they contest the Boys' Interprovincials which begin at Birr Golf Club today.
Jones, recently crowned Irish Boys' champion and a winner of the Leinster and Connacht provincial titles, leads the Britain and Ireland team which takes on the Continent of Europe for the Jacques Leglise Trophy in Italy this week. Symes has also been selected, while the Irish representation is completed by UCD Student Justin Kehoe, whose formative years on the golf course were spent at Birr.
All three were members of the Irish team that won the European Boys' team championship last month. Of that winning team group only Co Sligo's Sean McTernan and Mervyn Owens of Mallow will be in action in the interprovincials.
Munster are the defending champions but Ulster's non-playing captain, former international Ian Elliott, claims that history will favour his charges. He last set foot in Birr Golf Club 30 years ago - when he won the Scratch Cup. He is hoping that over the next 48 hours he will have further cause to celebrate at the Offaly venue.
