Keeling ignores 'next Rory' talk but takes share of lead at Irish Amateur Close 

Rising stars Keeling and Abom charge to head of field in Dun Laoghaire with identical 66s

HOT START: Seán Keeling on Day One of the 2024 AIG Irish Men's Amateur Close Championship at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club. Pic: Thos Caffrey/GolfFile

“Pretty solid” was how Seán Keeling described his opening six-under 66 on day one of the AIG Irish Men's Amateur Close Championship, an understated estimation of an impressive bogey-free round which has the young Roganstown golfer sharing top spot with fellow Irish underage international Thomas Abom (Edmonstown).

Keeling came to Dun Laoghaire in fantastic form having gone unbeaten in Scotland when contributing to Ireland’s title winning performance at the Women's and Men's Home Internationals, and he picked up right where he left off, making four birdies in his opening nine holes.