Ireland’s leading EuroPro contender, Jonathan Caldwell lived up to the billing after he fired a bogey-free 68 on day one of the PREM Group Irish Masters at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort.
The Clandeboye professional, who sits five places outside the top-5 on the money-list who will earn their Challenge Tour cards for next year, posted four birdies in a near flawless effort to sit three shots off the lead in a share of fifth heading into day two.
Two shots further back is West Cliff’s Brendan McCarroll who recorded two eagles in a minus-two round of 70 this afternoon.
McCarroll is joined by Royal Dublin’s Niall Kearney, Woodcote Park’s Peter Williamson and Ballymoney’s Michael Hoey who all enjoyed rock-solid rounds to share 20th after fine opening efforts.
Conditions were conducive to good scoring in County Wicklow and four other home players managed to break par with Headfort’s Brian Casey, Tullamore’s Stuart Grehan, Balbriggan’s Niall Turner and Tulfarris Head Professional Simon Thornton all returning one-under par 71s.
Back at level sits Shannon’s Daniel Brennan, North West’s Brian McElhinney and Ballymena’s Dermot McElroy who all share 50th heading into round two.
The man to catch is England’s Adam Chapman who leads who went bogey-free in an opening round of 65 (-7) to take a one-shot lead over Marco Penge heading into the second day.
Penge (Golf at Goodwood) carded nine birdies with five on the front and four on the back to sit outright second ahead of several on tied three.
Manuel Morugan (Chaparral Golf Club) and Ashley Mansell (Clevedon Golf Club) sit at five-under with Mansell bogey-free whilst Morugan was first out on the course this morning.
Special mention must go to the Irish Boys U16 2019 Champion from Baltinglass, Joe Byrne who held himself well at one-under through nine holes before finishing two over.
TOMORROW
The cut will be made at fifty players plus ties which currently sits at level par after the opening day in County Wicklow. Entry is free to watch at Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort. Come and enjoy watching some of the rising stars of the game at no cost.
Highlights of The PREM Group Irish Masters will air on Sky Sports Golf on 10, September 2019 at 20:00.
Full scoring HERE
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