Purcell co-leads on Alps Tour in Egypt after bogey-free 65
Portmarnock’s Conor Purcell. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Bryan Keane
Portmarnock’s Conor Purcell for the 2022 season off to the perfect start when he fired an eagle and five birdies in a bogey-free 65 to share the lead after the opening round of the Alps Tour’s Ein Bay Open in Egypt.
Forced to withdraw from the Alps Tour Q-School with food poisoning last November, the former Walker Cup player (24) took full advantage of a sponsor’s invitation at Sokhna Golf Club to share the lead with France’s Pierre Pineau (22) on seven-under-par, one stroke clear of Spain’s Juan Luis Sanchez Perez, Italy’s Gregorio De Leo and England’s Jack Floydd.
Pierre Pineau co-leads the Ein Bay Open at Sokhna Golf Course with Ireland’s Conor Purcell. Credit: Tristan Jones.
“The course was pretty generous off the tee,” said Purcell, who birdied the par-five fourth, then eagle the 518-yard eighth to turn in 32 before picking up birdies at the 12th, 13thm, 14th and 16th on the way home.
“I started my round slowly and took my chances when I could. I made a great eagle at the eighth and I’ve played the par-fives in four-under-par, which is pretty great.
“I really loved some good iron shots I hit during this first day. I’m looking to play a lot this year and I really have to thank the Alps Tour for giving me the invitation to come here this week.”
Pineau, who was second in this event last year, made 10 birdies — six on the front nine— in a 65 that also featured one bogey and a double bogey.
Without full status on any tour, Purcell is hoping to receive a grant from the Team Ireland golf scheme, which would give him additional invitations to Challenge Tour events.
“I’m feeling good about my mental game and the direction my game is going,” he said before the start of the season.
Mallow’s James Sugrue and Naas’ Jonathan Yates are tied for 44th on level par after 72s with David Carey, Gary Hurley and Paul McBride 68th after posting one-over 73s.
Simon Bryan and Luke Donnelly shot four-over 74s to share 94th in the 118-strong field.
