Burnley golfing star Ritchie Riley has won his first major international competition, the Irish Junior Open.

Held just outside Dublin at the championship resort of Mount Wolesley, Ritchie was leading by two shots at the end of day one from American Lewis Smith, shooting a four over par 76.

Proud dad Kev said: “This was a new experience for Ritchie, and us as a family, as we are usually chasing and taking risks. Ritchie started the second round with a confidence boosting par save from a fairway bunker. That for me is the best shot he has hit so far in his career.

Ritchie held off the chasing pack to win the event by five shots… made very special by the fact his mum Rachel and sisters Millie (13) and six-year-old Aria, were at the finish line to greet him.

Burnley golfing protege Ritchie Riley has won his first major international competition, the Irish Junior Open.

placeholder image — Burnley golfing protege Ritchie Riley has won his first major international competition, the Irish Junior Open.

Rachel said: ““This was very special for us as we can’t afford to travel to all the events as a family. I’m usually watching an online leaderboard or waiting for a phonecall.”

A pupil at St John’s Primary School in Cliviger, Ritchie is domestically the current back to back winner of the PING Junior, winning the 2024 and 2025 seasons’ events. In the UK, Ritchie’s tournaments tend to be one day events, of which he has won several since taking to the course at the age of five.

Ritchie has already participated in four world championships across Europe and most recently in Palm Springs, California. But in the 12 international events he has entered, he has never been in the top five. Ritchie now hopes to bring his success to the big tournaments he has left this season.

Having already played at La Manga (Spain) and Marco Simone (Italy) aswell as Ireland, Ritchie will play the German Masters in Munich and The

Triumphant Ritchie celebrates his sucess with his parents, Kev and Rachel and sisters Millie and Aria

British Championship in Wales and the Scottish Links Championship in St Andrews.

A member of Nelson Golf Club, the rising star, Is delighted that PING are bringing the tour to his home course on Sunday, July 26.

He said: “ I hope I can win the tour event at Nelson. I know the course well and, no doubt, I’ll have lots of support from my mates.”

Ritchie’s golfing success is inspiring his pals to take to the course, and four of his classmates have now started weekly coaching sessions at Nelson. And Millie has also been inspired by her brother’s success by following him onto the fairway. And she has already made the Lancashire squad.

The family have thanked St John’s for its support of Ritchie’s career and also his coach James Robinson of St Anne’s Old Links and everyone at Nelson Golf Club