Cillian Hirst was crowned the Under-9 World Champion at Pinehurst Golf Club in North Carolina last week.
Shooting an incredible 16-under par, Hirst produced a dominant display to finish six shots clear of his closest competitor and bring the title home. The Maree Oranmore man is now ranked the number one player in the world at under-9.
A member of Athenry Golf Club, Hirst is the first Irish player since Rory McIlroy to win the prestigious championship. The two-time Masters champion claimed the under-10 World Championship aged nine in Doral, Florida
"I’m absolutely delighted and just buzzing after the win. I love playing golf and just living the dream at the moment," said Cillian after his remarkable win.
The young Galway golfer is coached by Sean Whelan. The pair has enjoyed an incredible 12 months together with Cillian winning the European Championship title last May and the Champion of Champions World Championship trophy in July.
"I’d like to thank my coach Sean and all at Athenry Golf Club. I’d also like to thank the Fitzgerald family at The Hawthorn by Galway Bay for all of their support," added Cillian.
Cillian’s mother Steph is from Kinvara in County Galway while is father Joe is a native of Strandhill in County Sligo. Cillian has two sisters, Leanne aged 15 and Maria whose four-years-old. The family live in Maree, Oranmore.
