Pierse can’t catch red-hot Lutz

Arthur Pierse faltered in the final round of the British Seniors Open Amateur Championship at Machynys Peninsula in West Wales but still finished as the top Irishman.

Two strokes off the pace overnight, the 61-year-old former champion slipped to a three-over-par 75 for a 54-hole aggregate of 219.

That gave him ninth place some eight strokes behind America’s defending champion Chip Lutz

Portmarnock’s European champion Adrian Morrow left his best until last, carding a 71 for a 220 total and a share of 10th place. Former Walker Cup captain Garth McGimpsey did likewise, posting a 71 after earlier scores of 73 and 77.

Lutz fired a closing 68 to end with an aggregate of 211, four clear of his nearest rivals and fellow countrymen Doug Pool, Steve Rogers and overnight leader Paul Simson.

Welshman John Jermine won the over-65s prize with a 224 aggregate.