Inspired Arthur Pierse on a charge at Tramore

As a player accomplished enough to win the prestigious Mullingar Scratch Trophy over the August Bank holiday weekend and having seen his brother Shane thrill the golfing world both as an amateur and professional, Alan Lowry is no stranger to outstanding deeds and shot making on the golf course.

But even he could only shake his head in wonder at the manner in which he was bundled out of the AIG Irish Close Championship in the first round at Tramore yesterday.

Lowry was up against Robbie Pierse, a nephew of former Walker Cup star Arthur Pierse and a son of one-time regular championship player Morgan, and would have been deemed by the majority to be a good bet to come out on top.