Maynooth University’s Alan Fahy will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the R&A Student Tour Series – Spain after a sublime second round 68.
Fahy posted five birdies and just one dropped shot on 18 to move to nine-under-par, with fellow Maynooth student Aaron Marshall in second on six-under after a 68 of his own at Paradores Golf in Malaga.
The Bray native admitted he wanted to go bogey-free but was still happy to take the lead and his return to form could be timely with only one month to go before he defends his West of Ireland Championship title in Rosses Point.
“I really wanted to go bogey free,” the 25 year old admitted. “It was on my mind coming down the last. But I’m happy with the round. Up until that point it was fairly stress free.”
Fahy is back in Maynooth University studying science and climate change after a two-year hiatus and the Masters student is looking to become the master of the Student Series again as he hunts a second Order of Merit gong having won the inaugural title in 2020.
“It would be nice to win the Order of Merit again, but I won’t be thinking of that. I’ve been around long enough to know not to let that idea get in my head.
“It’s nice to be back playing the R&A events. It’s gone from strength to strength from its first year with the venues and the organisation that’s gone into it. It’s a great tour.”
Marshall recovered from a double-bogey on the fifth hole to play his next twelve holes in six-under including a back nine of four-under 33.
It’s been another strong showing from Maynooth University with Ryan Griffin of Ballybofey and Stranorlar in a share of ninth place on one-under while Liam Atom and David Kitt are in 12th on level-par alongside overnight leader Simon Walker who slumped to a 79 after an opening 65.
Meanwhile in the women’s section Maynooth’s Kate Dwyer is nine shots off the lead on ten-over after a much improved three-over 75.
It was a frustrating day on the greens for the Monaghan native who posted her one and only birdie on the first hole.
Programme co-ordinator Barry Fennelly is hoping Fahy and Marshall can have a showdown between themselves in the final round.
“Both Alan and Aaron were very good today. Alan in particular was very, very solid and was unlucky to make bogey on 18.
“Aaron came home in four under with a brilliant back nine to close the gap on Alan so to have two Maynooth players in the final group is great and hopefully go toe to toe.”
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