Harkin in command in West of Ireland qualifying

Cian Harkin (Letterkenny) tees off on the fourth during round one of the West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship at County Sligo. Picture: Golffile | Thos Caffrey

Letterkenny golfer Cian Harkin hit a phenomenal 68 to take the solo lead in 54-hole qualifying for the Connolly’s Audi West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship after two rounds.

A long-range putt on 17 sealed a fifth birdie of the day to lead the field by a shot on level par heading into the final round of strokeplay qualifying at County Sligo Golf Club.

Scores

Castleknock Golf Club’s Quentin Carew is part of a four-way share of second place. The reigning AIG Irish Amateur Close champion lies alongside Rory Williamson, James Claridge and Jordan Hood on one-over.

The top 90 golfers after Sunday’s third round will make the top 16 who qualify for the matchplay and pre-tournament favourite Arron Edwards-Hill is still in contention, four shots further adrift.

Promising teenager Patrick Keeling shot himself into the mix after a 73 which leaves him on six-over while last year’s Bridgestone Order of Merit champion Hugh Foley is one stroke further back.

Joshua Hill, Robert Brazill and Peter O’Keeffe all made the 36-hole cut too and they will still fancy their chances of advancing to Monday with the conditions set to worsen in County Sligo over the coming days.

Nevertheless, Harkin was the star on Saturday with his three-under 68 the best of the day while only two players managed to shoot under par as the wind howled at Rosses Point.

Recent Berkhamsted Trophy winner Claridge (Enville) was the only other player to shoot under par as the remaining golfers turn their attentions to Sunday, after which the top 16 will make it through.

“It felt pretty similar to what we had yesterday afternoon,” Foley said after a 74 left him tied for 24th on seven-over, two strokes outside the top 16. “They’ve moved the tees up a little but some of the pins are tougher.

“A frustrating three-putt on 18 – I had no idea that two-over would be as good as it would be, if I had shot two-over. I thought six-over would be well within a chance tomorrow – seven-over still is, but I know there’s some bad weather coming. A lot of this format is draw dependant.

“I played a bit better into the wind today, they moved the tees up so it was a little easier, hitting less club in, but I don’t quite have full control of it like when you do when you’re playing great, but I’m getting it around and making a few good putts. But it’s been two nearly days.”