Dunne hopes to flourish on Baltray greens

Paul Dunne is keeping his fingers crossed the billiard table Baltray greens can inspire a resurrection in his putting when he begins his defence of the East of Ireland Amateur Open title at County Louth today.

The 21-year old Greystones star, just back from the US where he finished 19th in the prestigious NCAA Championship finals in Kansas, knows he will need his silky putting touch if he is to become the first man to retain the title since Raymie Burns in 1993.

The top Irish player at 46th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Dunne said: “I’ve always liked the greens. They are amongst the best links greens we play all year. If you hit it well and give yourself chances it is more rewarding because you don’t have to worry about poor quality greens when you have birdie putts.