Patience pays for impressive Peter O’Keeffe at Royal County Down

Royal County Down has a habit of punishing aggression but big hitting Douglas man Peter O’Keeffe kept his love of attack in check to open with a fine 70 in the Flogas Irish Amateur Open in idyllic conditions at the firm and fast Newcastle links.

The 35-year-old former professional has been enjoying his golf since his return to the amateur fold last year, and he used all his experience to plot his way to a one-under-par opening round and share eighth place behind England’s Nicholas Poppleton in Ireland’s blue riband event.

“Patience,” O’Keeffe said after a day of brilliant sunshine and a zephyr breeze. “It’s something you learn as you get older. I only used the driver twice and hit a lot of two and three irons because there is nothing to be gained. It is too fiery.