Selfridge putter heats up

Muskerry’s Niall Gorey and West Waterford’s Gary Hurley are just five shots off the pace after a scorching start to the Golfsure-sponsored Irish Amateur Close.

The Munster pair carded one-under 71s to remain well in the hunt. Moyola Park’s Chris Selfridge leads after hitting an immaculate six-under-par 66 to lead by two strokes from Walker Cup star Alan Dunbar of Rathmore, Newlands’ Andrew Hogan and Ardee’s recently-crowned Munster Youths champion Eugene Smith.

Bidding to follow in the footsteps of 2000 champion Graeme McDowell by winning the title on his home track, Dunbar fired an eagle, four birdies and two bogeys in an opening 68.