John Murphy and James Sugrue both came through the first matchplay round of the British Open yesterday, propelling them into the final 32 with hope increasing of an extended run in Royal Aberdeen.  There was a bit of a struggle for both golfers yesterday, Sugrue took a slight lead in his match early on but he had to wait until the 19th before he finally dispatched Australia’s Michael Kyle.

John Murphy too had an interesting round.  He level par after three holes but found himself two down.  He was two under through six and was still one down.  The tide did turn for Murph, by the 13th he had a three hole lead and he added another win on 14.  He lost the 15th to a birdie but closed out the match with his 7th birdie on the 16th winning 4&2.

It’s been a good week for the Irish lads, Robin Dawson also recorded a 4&2 win, Rowan Lester and Conor Purcell are also still involved in the final 32.  Two rounds will take place today in Royal Aberdeen.

Live Scoring

Selected tee times:
7.48: Rowan Lester v Ben Hutchinson (Eng)
8.24: James Sugrue v Christoffer Palsson (Swe)
8.42 Conor Purcell v Matthew Jordan (Eng)
9.18 Robin Dawson v Vctor Pastor (Spa)
9.36 John Murphy v Lee Walker (USA)