Seapoint amateur Dylan Keating topped the board as 13 players advanced from Regional Qualifying at Baltray to Final Stage in July for their shot at a place in The Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
Keating’s six-under par round of 66 set the standard at County Louth where a 10-man playoff decided the last five spots on offer at a weather disrupted day of competitive action at the old links.
Just behind Keating was Dooks golfer, Daniel Sugrue who fired a five-under par 67 to advance alongside Galway amateur, Joe Lyons after play was suspended for nearly two hours due to the threat of lightning.
Five players tied 4th at minus-four with Hollywood teenager, Tom McKibbin amongst them as he looks to book his place at a dream Major on home soil.
Naas professional, Conor O’Rourke matched the score of the youngster, as did Massereene amateur, Tiarnan McLarnon, Headfort pro Brian Casey and Layton & Bettystown amateur, Thomas Mulligan who all comfortably advance to next month’s final hurdle.
It was the contingent at three-under that had to be separated by extra holes with just 13 players advancing to Final Qualifying.
In the end, The Royal Dublin’s amateur pair of Hugh Foley and Shaun Carter, The Island’s Paul McBride, Warrenpoint amateur Colm Campbell and Moyola Park’s Gareth Shaw progressed after a tight battle.
In-all, 1,000 players took their chance at Monday qualifying across the various venues with 150 players progressing to July’s final round where four venues in the UK will determine the lucky 12 golfers – three from each course – who will advance to the 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
Full Scoring HERE
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