Last year’s Flogas Irish Amateur Open champion, Colm Campbell, says getting a few more putts to drop could be the difference as he looks to advance to the quarter-finals of the Pierse Motors South of Ireland Championship.
The Warrenpoint golfer, had victories over Darcy Hogg and Rob Moran to secure his place in tomorrow’s last 16 at Lahinch. There he will face Marc Boucher (Carton House), who advanced after wins against Tom Cafferky and James Marriott.
A win there would see him face off against either Ryan Griffin (Rosapenna) or Cian O’Connor (Roscommon) in the quarter-finals but Campbell refuses to get carried away at this early stage.
“It was very windy, probably blowing in the region of about 30 or 40 miles an hour, and gusting. So yeah it was just tricky, very very tough. That was probably as tough as I’ve seen Lahinch playing,” said Campbell.
“I’m playing nicely, tee to green has been very solid. Especially around Lahinch, getting the ball into position off the tee is a big factor. I would like to hole a few more putts if I could but I am giving myself plenty of chances.
“I’ll keep the head down, keep doing what I am doing. If I could hole a few more putts it would certainly make life a whole lot easier. Game’s in good shape. Look, there is no bad player here at this stage.
“I love Lahinch, when you come to Lahinch, the South of Ireland, it’s the best tournament of the year. The way you get looked after by Paddy and Padraig and the team here, it’s different gravy.”
David Shiel (Enniscrone) also secured his place in a last 16 clash with Adam Smith (Mullingar). The winner there will take on either Matthew Giles (Greenore) or Paul Coughlan (Castleknock). Jack Hearn (Tramore) and Graham Donohoe (Enniscorthy) will battle it out to play Robert Brazill (Naas) or Conor Byrne (Strabane).
And last year’s runner-up Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas) will face Joe O’Neill (Berehaven) in the morning with the winner set to play Jordan Boles (Charleville) or Gerard Dunne (County Louth).
For Shiel, who hails from the links in Enniscrone, he feels right at home in the difficult conditions on the Clare coast.
“The links suits me fairly well, windy conditions definitely suit me as well. Just keeping the ball in play and you have to be laser focused on your short game,” said Shiel.
“Really looking forward to it, I’m really comfortable around here, love the place, love the course. Links and wind suits me so plan would be now to go home, put the feet up and relax and get my lunchboxes ready for tomorrow.”
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