Sugrue in fine Fota fettle ahead of Killarney

KILLARNEY’s Danny Sugrue has given himself the opportunity of a massive confidence boost heading into the Irish Open on his home course with a strong finish today in the EuroPro Tour’s Audi Cork Irish Masters at Fota Island.

Sugrue is only one shot off the lead held by England’s Paul Reed going to the last round of the £10,000 top-prize event after a four under 68 in yesterday’s second round. The Kerry man leads the domestic challenge though Rosapenna’s Ruairi McGee’s 68 and Paul O’Hanlon’s (Curragh) 70 have them also in contention, three back from the leader.

Reed (Bristol and Clifton) went round in 67 at the splendidly prepared Fota Island Resort in Cork, his performance included two eagles – at the par-five fourth and also at the par-five 18th – and he is one ahead of Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw, East Lothian) and Sugrue.

The Kerryman had birdies on No 2 and No 7 but gave one back at the par three 8th to turn one under. He birdied the short 11th and then made a strong finish with back to back birdies on the 15th and 16th to finish with a 68.

Donegal man McGee was even par on Wednesday but made seven birdies, one bogey and one double bogey yesterday to put himself in contention for a decent sized cheque.

Muskerry’s Niall Turner is also well placed. The Asian Tour player added a one under 71 to his opening 70 to be four behind the leader heading into round three. Turner is hoping that a strong showing this week might help him secure a late invite into the Irish Open in Killarney.

Niall Ó Briain, who opened with a sparkling 68 lost ground yesterday, dropping two shots to par.

Douglas’ Brian O’Donovan and Adare’s Graeme Dunlea are both one over though heading in different directions. Dunlea undid a lot of the good work from his opening 69 with a four over 76 yesterday. However, O’Donovan recovered from a first day 74 to shoot 71 yesterday.

The Audi Cork Masters is the sixth in the EuroPro Tour season and a total of 56 players made the cut at three over, although Order of Merit leader Chris Hanson was not one of them.

Jamie Abbott, a winner at event one at Wensum Valley, Norfolk, held a share of the lead at the start of play yesterday but a run of four bogeys in six holes looks to have ended his chances of another victory. Graeme Clark, second in the money list, will also not be playing on the final day at Fota Island as he could not recover from three bogeys in four holes and missed the cut by two shots.

Picture: Daniel Sugrue, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, teeing off on the sixth during the Audi Cork Irish Masters at Fota Island Resort. Picture: Dan Linehan.