Eagle finish gets Lyle off to a flyer in search of maiden win

TWO-TIME Major champion Sandy Lyle closed with a superb eagle for an opening round 66 to set the pace in the Handa Irish Senior Open presented by Fáilte Ireland, as he chases his maiden European Senior Tour title.

The home challenge is led by Jimmy Heggarty, Denis O’Sullivan and Des Smyth, who all posted level par rounds of 72 for a 14-way share 20th place, alongside former world number one Woosnam.

A sublime three iron approach shot from 214 yards, into the wind, on the picturesque finishing hole at Carton House set up the eagle chance from 12 feet for Lyle. The former Open and Masters Champion holed it to move one stroke clear of Frenchman Marc Farry at the top of the leaderboard.