Selfridge three clear at 'Close'
Chris Selfridge extended his overnight lead to three strokes in the Irish Amateur Close at Royal Portrush. Picture by Pat CashmanOvernight leader Chris Selfridge insists he will not be putting any pressure on himself despite adding a 72 to his opening 66 to take a three-stroke lead into Sunday’s final 36 holes at the Golfsure sponsored Irish Amateur Close Championship at a sun-splashed Royal Portrush."Now it doesn’t really matter where the ball goes..."
Kelan McDonagh was pleased with his 72 at Royal Dublin. Picture by Pat Cashman/GUIKelan McDonagh confessed that golf has been put firmly in perspective by his girlfriend’s brave battle with cancer after he opened with a grinding 72 to keep the leaders in his sights in the Irish Amateur Open at a weather-challenged Royal Dublin.Golfing gods curse South changes with weather havoc
He can see clearly now… Robbie Cannon, the 2009 champion, is hoping for a repeat this year representing his lifelong club Balbriggan. He played out of Laytown and Bettystown when he triumphed two years ago. Pic: twitter.com/robbiecannon Those who complained that introducing strokeplay qualifying for the South of Ireland Championship this year was an accident waiting to happen had their “I told you so” faces on as thick fog forced organisers to reduce the planned 36-hole affair to just 27 at Lahinch.
The Munster Branch did not post the scores but defending champion John Greene is not in Monday’s first round draw, which is no great surprise following his horrific 82 in Saturday’s opening round.
Magnificent Connacht snatch first Interpros for 28 years
Connacht claimed the Interprovinal title for the first time for 28 years. Picture courtesy County Sligo GC.Connacht mounted an incredible singles comeback to clinch an unlikely tie with Leinster and snatch the Interprovincial Championship for the first time in 28 years at County Sligo.
Cutler tops West qualifiers after brilliant 65
Co Sligo’s Gary McDermott hits off the new first tee in the second qualifying round at the West of Ireland Championship.Walker Cup hopeful Paul Cutler took advantage of idyllic conditions to fire a course record, six under par 65 and top the qualifiers for the matchplay stages of the West of Ireland Amateur Open at a sun-kissed Rosses Point.
Murray faces his Greene mile at Lahinch
Pat Murray has seen it all at Lahinch over the years but after reaching his seventh semi-final thanks to two sterling displays, he’ll be forgiven for thinking he’s been caught in a time warp when he takes on the unheralded Carlow man John Greene at the classic Clare links this morning.
Kelan McDonagh wins Irish Youths
Athlone's Kelan McDonagh captured the Irish Youths at his home club in what is turning out to be a great year for the scholarship golfers at NUI Maynooth.
Just a few weeks after Cian Curley reached the Irish Close final at Enniscrone, Kelan beat Headfort's Rory McNamara 5 & 4 in the decider at his home club.