The 41-year-old carded rounds of 70, 74 and 72 to claim the winning spot by two shots from Colm Campbell. "I never expected this," said McLoughlin shortly after holing out on the final green.
Playing in the penultimate group, McLoughlin slipped to two-over-par after eight holes but rallied with two birdies on his back nine in blustery conditions. "Every time I play golf I play to be the best that I can be, but to win a national title, I couldn't even dream of it. I'm chuffed."
