Young guns defy wind and rain at Lahinch

Ryan Griffin. Pic: Brian Arthur

Such is the level of amateur golf these days that not even squally showers and westerly whipping over 25 mph could stop 42 players firing in sub-par scores in the opening round of the Pierse Motors-sponsored 122nd South of Ireland Amateur Open at Lahinch.

Softened by summer rains, the Co Clare links were a green paradise for the 150-strong field when Castleknock’s Ian O’Connell and Ballybofey and Stranorlar’s Ryan Griffin carded six-under 66s to top the leaderboard after the first qualifying round.