Ronan Mullarney is firmly in contention after shooting a bogey-free six-under-par 64 in sweltering conditions at the 2025 Open de la Mirabelle d’Or.
Aiming to break into the top 10 of the Alps Tour Order of Merit, Mullarney started strongly with four birdies on the front nine at the Golf de La Grange aux Ormes in Metz, France. The Galway man added two birdies on the back nine to sit one shot behind the leader, Luca Galliano. “I was pleased with how I played this morning,” said Mullarney.
“My warm-up wasn’t great, but I settled into the round with a few solid iron shots early on, which helped. Overall, my game is in good shape. It was a methodical round today, without real highs or lows. I capitalised on some of the easier holes and kept it in the fairway, which is crucial here.”
Reflecting on his familiarity with the host venue, he added: “I played on the Alps Tour in 2023, and some of the courses are familiar, including this one, which helps. I also think this course suits my game.
“It’s incredibly warm! Playing in the morning helped, but I’ll face the heat tomorrow afternoon. It’ll be challenging, but it’s the same for everyone.”
Galliano, who won the season-opening 2025 Ein Bay Open and currently sits 11th in the Order of Merit standings, is one spot ahead of Mullarney.
“I played really well today. I had plenty of birdie opportunities and converted many of them. I’m delighted with my putting and how I managed the first round,” said Galliano.
“Strategy is always important, but accuracy off the tee is even more critical on this course. I’m really looking forward to testing myself again tomorrow. Being in contention is always exciting, and I’m eager for the next two rounds.”
“The weather was pleasant early this morning, but from the eighth hole onwards, it became very hot. We’ll all need to manage it as best we can, as it affects everyone.”
Hugh Foley is also in the mix, carding a three-under-par 67 to sit five shots off the pace, inside the top 10.
The Royal Dublin man recorded five birdies and two bogeys in a solid opening round in France.
Robert Moran recovered from a double bogey on the eighth to post a two-under-par 68, placing him just outside the top 10, while Michael Young had a mixed day, shooting a level-par 70. It was a challenging day for Brendan St. John, who carded an eight-over-par 78, placing him near the bottom of the leaderboard.
Mullarney begins his second round on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. Irish time from the 10th tee.
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