Matt McClean and Adam Buchanan lead early Northern Irish ...
Matt McClean recorded a level-par 71 following his opening round at Co Sligo
Ten Northern Irish players currently sit inside the cut line at the halfway stage of the stroke play qualifying at the West of Ireland Amateur Championship, with Walker Cup star Matt McClean and Royal Portrush’s Adam Buchanan the leading local pair.
The pair carved out level-par 71s in their opening rounds at Co Sligo to sit in a share of sixth place after day one, although they had fairly different rounds to reach that score.
Malone man McClean posted just one birdie and one bogey in a steady round on the Rosses Point links, whereas Buchanan picked up an additional two birdies and two bogeys, which leaves them four shots off Castleknock’s Mark Doogue, who is in pole position to claim the Pat Ruddy Trophy as the leading qualifier after a four-under 67.
“It was solid enough, but I’d like to get a few more putts to drop tomorrow,” said McClean of his performance.
The top 64 finishers after today’s second stroke play round progress to the match play stage, which starts on Saturday, with the cut line currently sitting at four-over-par.
Massereene’s Tiarnan McLarnon and Belvoir Park’s Ross Nelson are a shot behind McClean and Buchanan after a pair of 72s, although the latter will be disappointed after bogeying two of his last five holes to drop over par.
A large group at two-over includes Clandeboye’s Ross Latimer and Tandragee’s James Hewitt, who both had four birdies and six bogeys in turbulent 73s, with Dungannon’s Dwayne Mallon and Bangor pair Shea Dorman and Lewis Gowdy at three-over after all three carded 74s, as did two-time South of Ireland champion Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint).
Royal Portrush’s Oscar Murphy and Belvoir Park’s Sam Allister are one shot off the cut mark after a pair of five-over 76s at Co Sligo, with Royal Belfast’s Finlay Eager and Warrenpoint’s Rían Carvill needing to make up two shots after each carded a 77.
At the top, school teacher Doogue kept his cool and birdied the 18th to open with a four-under 67 and top the class on his debut in the West of Ireland.
The plus-two Baltinglass man (26) took advantage of benign but cool conditions at County Sligo’s pristine links to lead by two over 2023’s Bridgestone Order of Merit winner David Shiel.
“I hit the ball really well and took care of the par-fives,” said Doogue. “I was just hitting fairways and greens and staying patient, and it paid off.”
