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Collins off to flyer at Fota

Michael Collins is making the most of his 888poker.com EuroPro Tour experience at Fota Island Resort this week as he targets a shot at the European Tour Qualifying School this autumn.

The Mallow Golf Range pro will take a one-shot lead over England’s Dan Seymour into today’s second round of the Audi Cork Irish Masters following an opening four-under-par 67 over the Deerpark course.

The 32-year-old, who played in last week’s Irish Open at Royal Portrush, is hoping both experiences can help him maintain the tournament sharpness required to land a coveted European Tour card when Q-School begins in late September.

“Q-School would be something I aim for and it’s the reason I play these events, to try and get myself ready for it,” Collins said.

“A lot of the (PGA) regionals are pro-ams and it’s not the same. It’s completely different even playing these three-round events, the competition’s very good and it’s a good standard of golf on this tour, and you know very quickly where you stand.

“You can be practising well and playing well at home but put a card in your pocket for three rounds and see how you get on.

“Sometimes you learn you’re in a slightly different place to what you thought you were.”

Collins was perfectly content with where he stood after yesterday’s opening 67.

He eagled his opening hole, the short, downhill par-five 10th, thanks to a five iron into 25 feet, from where he rolled in the putt and then birdied the par-three 11th to get off to a flying start.

“So, a good solid start, I played nicely, and if I could play like that for three days, I’ll be happy.”

Although Collins missed the cut at a wet and windy Royal Portrush, he came away from the European Tour event feeling better for the experience.

“It was a super week and I had a great draw, playing with Phillip Price, who’s a superb player and a great guy and Ollie Fisher as well. It was a great experience playing with those two lads.

“It was a great event... but it’s hard for the regional players. Mark O’Sullivan made the cut but all of us get just the one chance. The Tour guys, when they’re playing a round, they know if they don’t play well, there’s always next week and the week after that.

“But you have to earn that. These guys have all earned the right to be there. I haven’t, so you have to go through Q-School and play.”

In a group two shots behind Collins were fellow Irishmen Paul Cutler, Jonny Caldwell and Cian McNamara, whose 69 featured three birdies and a bogey.

“I struggled a small bit off the tee today, which wasn’t great but I just kind of kept it going, understood that and played with a small fade and went with that for the day, so it was okay,” Limerick’s McNamara explained.

“So a bit more practice and tighten up the game for a tough week here but it’s nice not to shoot my way out of it today.”

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