The PGA of Ireland team of David Higgins (Waterville), Mark Staunton (Delgany) and Simon Thornton (Tulfarris) are closing in on victory at the International Team Championship in Costa Navarino, Greece.
The Irish trio head into the final day with an eleven under total which gives them a commanding six-shot lead over their nearest challengers, Scotland, with Holland one shot further back and they are in position to secure Ireland’s first win in the event since 2008.
Ireland began the third round two shots ahead of nearest rivals Scotland and extended their lead with the joint lowest score of the day (-4). Thornton followed up his second round 66 (-5) with a 70 (-1) while Higgins and Staunton carded a pair of 69s (-2)
“I’m finally getting the hang of the greens here at the Dunes Course, they are slick and have lots of slopes,” said Mark.
“It was great for us as a team to be in a strong enough position to be able to discard Simon’s score today. Hopefully, we will be just as steady in tomorrow’s final round.”
The best two individual scores each day from the team of three count towards the overall team score each day and the Irish trio head into the final day tomorrow looking to emulate the feats of John Kelly (St Margaret’s Golf &CC), Robert Giles (Greenore) and Eamonn Brady (Clontarf) who last claimed the title for Ireland.
International Team Championship
Leading scores (after 54 holes)
1 Ireland -11
2 Scotland -5
3 Holland -4
T4 Wales +2
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