Madden leads East of Ireland with impressive 67 at blustery Baltray

 Tramore’s Jack Hearn just four back after closing eagle three

Royal Portrush’s Jack Madden shot a five-under 67 to lead the East of Ireland Amateur Open Championship at County Louth, Baltray. Picture: Thos Caffrey/Golffile

Royal Portrush's Jack Madden overcame a difficult northeast wind gusting over 25 mph and made two eagles in a five-under 67 to take a two-shot lead after the opening round to the D Hotel-sponsored East of Ireland Championship at County Louth.

With the Championship back after a three-year hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the pristine Baltray links proved the big winner on the day with the 132-man field averaging 76.58.