McDermott Leads Irish Amateur

8th May 2014

Gary McDermott from Carton House (Photo Pat Cashman)

Gary McDermott from Carton House leads the field into day two of the Irish Amateur Open at Royal Dublin Golf Club.

First played in 1892 and held every year with the exception of the War Years up to 1959, and revived in 1995, the Irish Amateur Open can boast a strong history of producing great Champions including Joe Carr (three times), Jimmy Bruen, Tom Craddock, Padraig Harrington, Michael Hoey, Noel Fox, Louis Oosthuizen and Pedro Figueiredo.

From 2014, the Championship embarks on new ground with the event moving from three to four days. 18 holes will be played each day, with a cut after three rounds.

The Sligo native carded an impressive round of 69 which included four birdies and just one dropped shot. He lies one clear of Scotland's Alexander Culverwell and two clear of Ton Gandy (Isle of Man) and Sem Westijk (Netherlands).

Next best of the home players is Stuart Grehan (Tullamore) alongside the West of Ireland champion Jack Hume (Naas).

Defending champion Robbie Cannon has a lot to do if he is to retain the title he won in a playoff last year. He finds himself nine shots adrift on six-over par.

The cut in the championship comes after three rounds – not the traditional two – with the final round on Sunday.

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