James Sugure finished in the top 15 at final qualifying for The Open at St Anne’s Old Links on Tuesday.  The Mallow golfer has had a busy two weeks, covering the British Amateur, playing Senior Cup for Mallow in Cork Golf Club, and then playing Co Louth, Rosapenna, and St Annes in quick succession.  With only three spots available for the Open, qualification was always against the odds, and Sugrue found himself four over after his opening nine holes.  He recovered two shots on the back nine to finish the opening round on +3.  James got his second round off to a blistering start, with four birdies in his first five holes.  He dropped a few shots in the middle of the round but finished strongly, closing with two birdies and an eagle.  A second round 67 saw him jump over twenty places, in fact Sugrue had nine birdies and an eagle in his final 27 holes.  Speaking after the qualifier, James cited the lack of a practice round as a critical reason for the difference between both rounds.

Sugrue through to Final Qualifying for 147th Open

It’s been an interesting few weeks for Sugrue, he made it to the last 32 in the British Amateur but missed on the Irish team for the European Team Championships.  He bounced back by shooting a 64 in Co Louth in regional qualifying for the Open and he finished 25^th in a strong field in Rosapenna last weekend during the Irish Open qualifier.  Sugrue will no doubt be hoping to convert his current form into a win, and push for selection on the Irish team for the Home Internationals.  With the North of Ireland taking placee next week in Royal Portrush and the South of Ireland in Lahinch later in July where Sugrue is the reigning champion, there will be plenty of opportunities for the young Mallow man.