O’Keeffe hits top gear but faces another big test in South quest

The reigning Irish Close champion had to beat two current international team mates to make the third round in Lahinch

Close watch: Peter O'Keeffe of Douglas during Round 1 of the South of Ireland Men's Amateur Open 2022 at Lahinch Golf Club, Lahinch. Pic: Thos Caffrey / Golffile 

Douglas star Peter O’Keeffe is hoping it will be a case of fifth time lucky after he played superbly on the first day of matchplay combat to ease his way into the last 16 in the Pierse Motors sponsored South of Ireland Championship for the fifth year running.

The reigning Irish Close champion had to beat two current international team mates to make the third round, edging out Carton House’s Marc Boucher by two holes before playing superbly to defeat current East of Ireland champion Alex Maguire from Laytown and Bettystown 3&2.