Majestic Pat Murray forges clear in Mid-Amateur title bid

Pat Murray justified his ranking as pre-tournament favourite by claiming a three shot lead after the first 36 holes of the Munster Mid-Amateur Championship over his home course at Limerick Golf Club last night.

44 year-old Murray, already a three times winner of the event as well as a former Irish Close and South of Ireland champion, shot rounds of 70 and 69 for a five under par total of 139 and is followed by Cork native Mark Collins, now the course superintendent at Killeen Castle near Dublin, on 142. Waterford’s Alan Thomas, David McCarthy of Bandon and Carlow’s Pat Bevins are next best on one under.

Murray performed solidly throughout, adding only the second sub-70 round of the day to an earlier 70 earlier in the day, shooting six birdies that he offset with three dropped shots.