Paul McCarthy (Mallow Golf Club)

Mallow’s Paul McCarthy took advantage of an early start this morning to set the tone for the opening round of the South of Ireland Championship.  McCarthy raced into the lead with a near flawless 69 and finished in second place at the end of play on the opening day.  The 2015 Munster Youths champion went out in 34 thanks to birdies on the 2nd and 8th.  He had another two birdies on the way back but dropped a shot on the index one 15th hole.  He signed for a 69 leaving him one shot off the lead held by Jake Whelan from Newlands.

McCarthy was naturally very happy with the round, especially because it was an all-round performance: “It was an all round solid day really, but if I had to pick something it was my putting which was very good from start to finish.”  McCarthy goes into day two as one of only three Cork golfers that are in a strong position to make the cut.

Cork’s John Hickey is  inside the top 30 after a round of 74, as is Peter O’Keeffe who was one of the later starters.  There’s big gap the the next Cork players; Mark Ford, David O’Donovan, Cathal Butler and Ian Spillane all shot 77, but crucially they’re all one shot outside the cut mark.  The top 64 golfers after tomorrows second strokeplay round qualify for the matchplay which starts on Friday morning.  Gary Ward, James Sugrue and Cillian Moloney will all need a better return tomorrow if they are to make the cut for Friday.

South of Ireland Championship, Sponsored by Pierse Motors – Live Scoring