Hurley one shot clear after Euro Amateur opening round

West Waterford’s Gary Hurley stormed into the lead in the European Amateur Championship on the Dukes Course at St Andrews yesterday following a stunning opening round.

The 21-year-old carded a five-under-par 66, which included five birdies, to finish one stroke ahead of England international Ben Stow, who bogeyed nine and 18 to leave Hurley out on his own at the head of affairs.

Finland’s Lauri Ruuska is also tied for second after his four-under-par 67 despite, after looking like snatching the overnight lead following a late charge, bogeying the last two.