Damian Mooney fired a superb four-under par round of 68 to grab a share of the lead after the opening day at Stage One of Legends Tour Qualifying School in Turkey.
The former European Tour player and Irish PGA stalwart sits alongside Scot Greig Hutcheon and Frenchman Lionel Alexandre with a round to go at Gloria Golf Resort in Belek after catching fire on the back-nine to put himself firmly in the mix.
Mooney sandwiched two birdies between two bogeys in an even par outward half but birdies on 12, 13, 16 and 17 saw him sign for an inward nine of 31 as the Lough Erne man looks to make his presence felt in the over-50’s ranks.
It wasn’t such a good day for Galway’s Joe Lyons who has worked to do after an opening 75. Lyons posted two birdies and five bogeys in his three-over par effort, only good enough for a share of 30th with a round to play.
Amateur Roy Connolly completed the Irish scoring with a six-over par round of 78.
Players who qualify for Final Stage will then be joined by former DP World Tour players for the 72-hole finale, which takes place from January 20-23.
The top five players at the conclusion of Final Stage will earn full playing rights for the 2023 Legends Tour season, giving them the opportunity to play alongside greats of the game including Pádraig Harrington, Ernie Els, Darren Clarke, Paul Lawrie, Colin Montgomerie and Paul McGinley.
- Full scoring HERE
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