Opening round 66 puts McGrane on Open trail

Damien McGrane has played in two British Opens, but he could be on course to make his third appearance at Royal Liverpool in July after opening with a five under 66 in the Joburg Open at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington in South Africa.

Three players, who have not already qualified and who finish in the top 10 at the Joburg Open, will secure places in The Open. And McGrane is handily placed, just a stroke outside the top 10 after following an early bogey with six birdies on the West Course at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington to share 15th place on five under.

Scotland’s Craig Lee shot 64 on the East Course as his compatriot Alastair Forsyth, Italy’s Edoardo Molinari and home favourite Justin Walters all signed for seven under rounds of 64 on the West in a the tournament which sees the field play both tracks before heading to the East Course for the weekend.