Kieran Earls - Impressive record in Catalonia

Kieran Earls has been a factor on Catalan Open leaderboards since his debut in 2014 at Teia when Ireland's current No. 1 ranked player lost a play-off to Jordi Saborit (Catalonia). 

Expectations weren't high in advance of the 2026 renewal. "Coming into the tournament, I didn't have much hope as I hadn't played very often so far this year", reflected Kieran after his come from behind win at Vallromanes. 

2nd in 2015 at Lleida, Kieran claimed third place at BonArea last year after firing a fabulous 43 in the final round. "I always enjoy coming over here and for whatever reason I seem to start scoring well."

Kieran, who won the WPPT Catalan Masters 2023 at Lleida, was encouraged on arrival at Vallromanes. "I felt, after my practice round on Thursday, that I would have a chance on Sunday." 

Ironically, the landmark win came after he suffered a damaging double bogey on Vallromanes' 4th hole during his opening round on Saturday. That hole apart, Kieran was satisfied. "I pitched very well on Saturday but I didn't hole any putts."

Kieran placed 16th in the 2018 Catalan Open (won by his friend and colleague Tommy Hanley) at Vallromanes but made no mistake in the 2026 renewal at the same venue. Trailing another friend and clubmate Liam O'Donovan by three overnight, he started well on Sunday. "The putting here (in Catalonia) can be a bit frustrating, But I said to myself, if I stick at it, the putts will eventually fall."

"I holed a big putt (20 footer) on the second green." That set the Irishman on his way to a brilliant final round of 47. Birdies aside, there was one other vital moment. "I got up and down for par from the hazard in front of the 10th green. Getting a par from there was key to my winning the tournament."