Cormac delivers

Cormac delivers

16 September 2015

CORMAC Sharvin, from Ardglass, is well on the way to joining the ranks of Northern Ireland’s golfing superstars.

The 22 year-old university student was a key member of the Great Britain and Ireland side which emphatically regained the Walker Cup at the weekend.

Sharvin won all three of his matches as the home side beat America’s finest amateur golfers by 16.5 to 9.5 points at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

Showing tremendous skill and great composure in front of the thousands of spectators and the TV cameras, Sharvin showed the golfing world that a major new talent has arrived.

He comfortably won both his foursomes matches in the company of fellow Stirling University student Jack McDonald and then overwhelmed American veteran Mike McCoy 4 & 3 in the singles on Sunday afternoon.

Afterwards he said it was one of the greatest experiences of his life.

“It was definitely the greatest feeling I’ve had in my golfing career. It was just awesome,” he remarked.

“We knocked the Americans off the park. I enjoyed playing the shots that mattered and holing the putts that mattered.

“It’s been a great week and credit goes to all the boys. It was a great team effort. We were up against a strong American team and it’s a great feeling to win.

“To be one of five Irishmen in the side is great for Irish golf.”

His dad, Lawrence, was there to watch it all. Clearly emotional, he said afterwards: “I am so proud of him.”

Throughout the two days Sharvin was roared on by a huge contingent of local supporters, who had travelled across the Irish Sea to the Lancashire links.

They included teachers and pupils past and present from De La Salle High School in Downpatrick where he went to school.

Also there were delighted members of Ardglass Golf Club and other local clubs, who were eager to show their support.

De La Salle principal Barry Sharvin said everyone at the school felt very proud.

“Cormac played out of his skin and handled the pressure so well in front of all the spectators and TV cameras,” he said.

“He is a great example of someone who has made the most of his talents. He is a class act. You could see that by the way he got on with his team-mates and handed golf balls to the young fans after he finished.

“He certainly has his head screwed on and I have no doubt he has a great future when he turns professional.”

Ardglass Golf Club captain Terry Murphy also offered his congratulations. He said Sharvin had play golf to the very highest standard.

“In addition to his flawless golf Cormac conducted himself like a real pro, acknowledging the spectators and joining in the team celebration with his usual modest, but confident manner. 

“He  seems to have no nerves when being interviewed and showed the world, both on and off the course, that he can handle golf at the highest levels with great maturity.

“Cormac has received great support from his fellow club members with many of them taking the time to be at Royal Lytham. I applaud the efforts they made.”

Sharvin is being tipped for a stellar career when he joins the professional ranks next year after he completes his university studies. Watch out Rory McIlroy.