Dawson keeps on course for shot at Close

Tramore’s Robin Dawson remains on course for his maiden championship success after he battled winds gusting up to 40km/h to reach the last 16 of the AIG Irish Amateur Close at Galway.

The flame-haired international beat two Galwaymen to set up a third round clash with Bushfoot’s Owen Crooks, defeating Aodan Comerford by one hole and Mikey Burke 3 and 2.

Dawson fell to Alex Gleeson in the third round last year but there will be no repeat of that clash in Galway after the defending champion was beaten 5 and 4 by Salthill man Ronan Mullarney, whose local knowledge proved invaluable.