McNamara leaves it late at Troon

Rory McNamara produced a Houdini act to edge dramatically into the third round of the 117th Amateur Championship at Royal Troon on Scotland’s Ayrshire coast yesterday.

The 23-year-old plus-three handicapper from Headfort seemed to be heading for the exit door when he lost the first three holes to Finland’s Tapio Pulkkanen. The former Irish boys and youths international was still three behind after seven but hit top gear to win the next two with birdies. He took the 10th to square the match.

Birdies at 11 and 13 put McNamara two up, a lead he maintained until losing the 17th. He closed out the match in style though, winning the 18th when he put his second to within four feet to claim a two-hole success.