McGee shines at Frilford Heath

Ruaidhrí McGee delivered a five-star display at Frilford Heath yesterday to lie just off the pace in the first stage of the European Tour Qualifying School.

The 21-year-old Derry-born former Irish Inter-Provincial champion, now based in the Murcia region of Spain, carded a two under par 70 to give himself a great chance of making progress.

Former Ulster under 15 champion McGee who set up his own website and sold advertising to finance his golf started with three birdies and added two more in the last three holes. His only blemishes were a double bogey on the eighth and a bogey on the 17th.

Florida-based Chris Devlin who hails from Ballymena was the only other Irish player who kept in touch with the leaders when he carded a 73.

Dubliner David Rawluk took 76 and there were 78’s for Brian Casey and John-Daniel Guiney with Mike Kelly slumping to 82.

Setting the pace there is Welshman Liam Bond who shot a splendid round of 67.

Meanwhile at Ribagolfe in Portugal, Glen Robinson of St Helens Bay led the Irish charge with a 70, just one behind three players who share the lead.

Robinson carded three two’s in his round and posted halves of 34 and 36 respectively.

Andrew Hogan took 73, Dara Lernihan (75) and Michael McGeady 76 — all of them now have to find something special if they are to progress.