Sexton claims early lead at Lahinch

The Irish Ladies Close Championship began yesterday around the Old Course at Lahinch, Co Clare, where competitors played 36 holes strokeplay. The championship course, measuring 5,968 yards, was in immaculate condition and good scores were there for the taking.

On a day dominated by three holes-in-one, some players mastered the course in glorious sunshine. Killarney duo Catriona Griffin and Claire Keating both holed out on the 8th and 15th, respectively, with five iron being the club of choice for the two competitors.

The ace from Ennis player Shannon Hegarty came a little earlier, as she mastered the 5th hole with a nine iron.