THORNTON SECURES ANOTHER ORDER OF MERIT TITLE
Elavon's Paul Dunne presents Simon Thornton with the Elavon Order of Merit award at Luttrellstown (Photo: Irish PGA )
Newcastle native Simon Thornton was crowned the Evalon Order of Merit Champion for the second successive year after a PGA Irish Region campaign that saw him win six times.
Thornton has been a prolific winner on the Irish PGA circuit for many years and. 2026 was no different as he accumulated the most points to finish the season at the top of the standings. Victories came at Druids Glen, Malahide, Carne, Elm Park, Carlow and Westport, not to mention a host of other podium and top 10 finishes.
The PGA Irish Region Captain was also third in the Irish PGA Championship at Limerick Golf Club. In a season to remember, Thornton was also the only Irish player to contest and win the PGA Cup at the K Club recently where David Scott’s GB&I side defeated their American counterparts.
Thornton finished top of the standings with 40,508 points from 32 events played.
“It’s a true honour to win the Elavon Order of Merit for the second year running, and an even greater honour to do it as Captain of the PGA in Ireland,” said Thornton.
“The standard of play is extremely high on the Region, and continues to get better with each year, and none of it would be possible without the generous support of the many tournament sponsors and Elavon in particular for their continued support of the Order of Merit.
Thornton was pushed during the season by players like Richard Kilpatrickand Conor O’Rourke, who were second and third respectively. Colm Moriarty and Michael McGeady completed were fourth and fifth respectively in the standings.
“Congratulations to Simon on another incredible season. His consistency throughout the entire year was extremely impressive and it’s a thoroughly deserved Elavon Order of Merit title,” said PGA in Ireland Manager Conor Dillon.
“I’d like to express huge thanks to Elavon and to Paul Dunne for their continued support as title sponsor, and the Elavon Order of Merit has once again provided some fantastic competition throughout the season.”