Paul Cutler prevailed in the battle of the north coast links golfers today as the Portstewart star claimed the West of Ireland title with a four and two success over Rathmore’s Alan Dunbar.

Dunbar conceded on the par-three 16th to his good friend after he failed to hold the green with his tee shot before his pitch again strayed off the putting surface.

Dunbar’s attempt at par came up short and with Cutler four feet short in two, the pair shook hands.

Cutler, 28th in the amateur world rankings, never trailed in the final, winning the par-five 5th with a birdie and the short fourth with a par to go two up.

Dunbar gained his first hole with an eagle at the par-five fifth but a bogey at the eighth handed Cutler back his two-hole advantage.

A birdie to Cutler’s bogey on the 11th brought Dunbar back to within one but he would lose the next two holes to go three down.

Cutler missed a short par putt to wrap up things on the 15th but he wouldn’t have to wait too much longer as he took his first West title.