Ireland got off to a fast start to snatch a two-shot lead after the first round of the Southern Cross Invitational in Argentina.

With 32 players from eight nations talking part at Nordelta Golf Club in Tigre near Buenos Aires and with the best three scores from each four-man team to count, Ireland set the target at five under par 211.

That left them two strokes clear of France, who were the only other nation to finish in the red on three under par. 

Leaderboard

Naas' Jack Hume made five birdies in a three under 69 with West Waterford's Gary Hurley notching four birdies and two bogeys in a 70.

The Island's Gavin Moynihan posted a level par 72 with a 79 by Whitehead's John Ross Galbraith, the Irish Close champion, the discarded score.