Kinsale’s Gary Ward sizzles at blustery Rosapenna to lead Irish Amateur Close

Gary Ward (Kinsale) waiting on the 18th hole in the first round of the AIG 2020 Irish Amateur Close Championship at Sandy Hills Links, Rosapenna Golf Club, Co Donegal. Picture by Pat Cashman

Kinsale’s Gary Ward overcame brutal first round conditions to open with an incredible two-under 70 and lead the 54-hole AIG Irish Amateur Close by two shots at Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort.

The 23-year old marketing student knew he had to stick to the straight and narrow at the punishing Sandy Hills links in a steady 25 mph northwesterly wind on a day when the scoring average was an eye-watering 81.32.