The second day of the North West of Ireland Open at Slieve Russell Golf Club was subject to more delays due to unfavourable weather in Cavan this morning.
Inclement weather caused a two hour delay yesterday and today it was the turn of mist and fog to disrupt proceedings shortly after the scheduled start at 7.30 a.m. this morning.
When play resumed some two hours later, one of Spain’s less distinguished professionals, Jesus Maria Arruti, found his overnight lead overhauled by Mathias Eliasson who now leads on eight-under par.
The Swede leads by one from Arruti having carded three birdies on the front side to reach the turn in 33 for the second time in two days.
Arruti had a bumpier ride reaching the turn. Some of the good work in yesterday’s opening 65 was undone with bogeys at the third and sixth but birdies at the seventh and ninth got the Spaniard to the turn level for the day where he is joined by Stephen Dodd from Wales in a share of second.
In a tournament largely overshadowed by the final major of the year, the USPGA in Atlanta, Slade Valley professional John Dignam is the leading Irishman from the 14-strong home representation. Dignam shot a three-under 69 yesterday and continues his campaign shortly after lunch.
Weather delays appear an integral part of European Tour events of late, what with the Wales Open reduced to 36 holes at Celtic Manor last week before Ireland’s Paul McGinley emerged victorious from a three way play-off.