Conor O’Rourke hits sensational 66 in Sligo at West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship

Conor O’Rourke, Naas, put a stuttering start to the season behind him by scorching to a stunning five under par 66 to grab a two-stroke lead after the first qualifying round of the Radisson Blu sponsored West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship at Co Sligo.

The 25-year old earned his international call-up last year, when he won the prestigious St Andrews Links Trophy and the Nassau Invitational.

However, after being named in the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup squad, he struggled for confidence earlier this year and only turned things around last week, when he won the French International Foursomes alongside Irish Alps Tour professional Tommy O’Driscoll in Paris.