Golf: McGinley begins defence of Irish Region C'ship

Paul McGinley began the defence of the £110,000 Smurfit PGA Irish Region Championship at Castlerock.

However, it was Francis Howley who set out his stall in yesterday's pro-am tournament.

Howley, third last season at Co Louth, carded a five-under-par 68 with seven birdies on his card.

He was three shots clear of the field. McGinley, playing the course for the first time, had a 'No Return' but that is quite usual in situations like this.

"I never played here before and I really like the course. It reminds me a little of Lahinch", remarked the defending champion.

Des Smyth led in the winning team of John Kennedy (18), Austin McCabe (13)

and Paul Moran (15). They combined to card 92 points.

LEADING SCORES (Par 73):

68 - F Howley (Milltown).

71 - J Kelly (Ward), P Walton (Westpoint Fitness Centre).

72 - D Mooney (Laganview).

73 - R Burns (Newlands).

75 - J Dwyer (Ashbourne), K Morris (Fota Island), D Walker (Foxrock), C

Barry (Donabate).

76 - D Smyth (Unattached), R Symes (Royal Belfast).

77 - L Walker (Dundalk), J Heggarty (Spawell), W O'Callaghan (Fernhill).

78 - P Collins (Galgorm Castle), M Bannon (Bangor).

81 - E Jones (K Club), L Robinson (Donegal).

82 - N Manchip (Royal Belfast).

TEAM:

92pts - D Smyth (Unattached) with John Kennedy (18), Austin McCabe (13) &

Paul Moran (15).