Arthur Pierse from Tipperary completed a great double for Ireland in the early evening at Nairn Golf Club yesterday.

Only a fortnight after his "very good friend" Padraig Harrington won the British Open at Carnoustie, the 56-year-old Pierse became the first Irishman to win the British Senior Men's Open Amateur Championship.

And there was just as much late drama in Pierse's win as there was for Harrington.

After some confusion over his and playing partner Canadian Graham Cook's scorecards, the two were found to have tied over 54 holes at five-under-par 211.

Pierse had a closing 73 and Cook a 71 to match the Irishman's 211 total. Pierse then won the play-off with a par four at the third extra hole.

"I'm thrilled to bits. I've won a lot of things in my career, including a Walker Cup honour and I played in the Eisenhower Trophy B&I team as well.

"But, at the moment, this is my greatest win," said the Tipperary garage owner.