James Sugrue (Mallow) 

After rounds of 67 and 68, James Sugrue is in 5th place at the St Andrew’s Links Trophy in Scotland.  It’s another boost for the Mallow man has been on a good run of form.  Sugrue won the Castletroy Scratch Cup two weeks ago, before finishing in the top twenty in the Brabazon.  Although he is in 5th place, he is eight shots off the lead held by England’s Matty Lamb after a super 63 today.  Sugrue had a great run of four birdies in the middle of his round in the home of golf.  It was part of a five bogies in six holes starting at the fifth.  Sugrue had three birdies on the back nine but bogies on the 15th and 17th before a closing par would see him sign for a four under par 68.  Sugrue is the second best placed Irish golfer, he’s one behind Caolan Rafferty who is tied for third on -10.

Peter O’Keeffe had a second round 74 on the Old Course which took him back to -3 after his opening 67.  That placed him in a tie for 41st meaning that he missed the cut by one stroke.  After going out in level par, O’Keeffe dropped shots on the 14th and 17th to miss out on the final day.  Conor Purcell and Colm Campbell also finished on on -3 to miss out on the two final rounds.  There was also disappointment for the defending champion John Murphy who shot rounds of 73 and 72, meaning he was out of contention from early on.

The 40 who made the cut will play 36 holes on the Old Course tomorrow to decide the winner.