Robert Brazill and Ignatius McGuinness are off to fine starts at the Clutch Pro Tour’s Mannings Heath Masters in West Sussex and share fifth place, while John Ross Galbraith is just one stroke behind them.
McGuinness, who represents Harleyford Golf Club, near Reading, was among the early starters and found himself on -6 playing the last after four birdies and an eagle which came on 15. Unfortunately, he closed with a bogey to card a five-under 67.
He was later joined on that number by Naas’ Brazill, who had a grandstand finish, going eagle-birdie on the final two holes to make giant strides up the leaderboard. In total, Brazill carded an eagle, five birdies, and two bogeys, and he’ll be among the early starters on day two.
Galbraith matched Brazill’s final two holes, also going eagle-birdie, but he carded one fewer birdie and will have an even earlier tee time on day two, hoping to take advantage of early morning conditions.
James Sugrue and Marc Boucher share 45th place on -1, though Boucher still has eight holes to complete as the first round was suspended.
Karl McCormack and Tom Dowdall both completed their opening rounds in level-par 72s and lie tied for 61st, with Rory Williamson (+3) and Scott Montgomery (+5) still with holes left to play.
Brandon St John and Damien Scott have yet to get any holes played, and there is a decent chance that the event could be reduced to 36 holes if weather gets in the way again tomorrow.
England’s Daniel Smith leads the way on -9, one ahead of fellow countryman Ryan Brooks on -8.
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