Ireland struggle on day one of European Nations Cup at Sotogrande
Amateur Matthew McClean plays a stroke from the No. 1 tee during the first round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 6, 2023.
Malone’s Matthew McClean was the best of the bunch with a one-under 71 as Ireland struggled on the opening day of the European Nations Cup at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande.
While McClean was just four shots behind England’s John Gough in the men’s individual standings, Ireland’s men ended the opening day in 14th place on 12-over , 17 strokes behind Scotland.
There were ahead of only Austria, Poland and Ukraine — as Peter O’Keeffe shot a six-over 78 and Josh Hill and Robert Moran posted 79s.
In the women’s event, Ireland were tied eighth of the 11 nations on 10-over, 12 strokes behind leaders Finland as Emma Fleming shot 76, Katie Poots 78 and Aideen Walsh an 81.