Eamon Logue stormed into the lead after the first day of the Smurfit Irish PGA Championship with a fine five-under 68 at Westport Golf Club today.
The Hilton Templepatrick professional leads by two shots from 1995 Ryder Cup star Philip Walton who carded a 70. Des Smyth, defending champion, was in a share of third with Dungarven’s David Hayes on two-under.
The biggest surprise of the day was how Paul McGinley fell away on the closing holes. Fresh from Britain and Ireland’s team victory in the Seve Trophy a Druids Glen last week, the Dubliner doubled bogeyed the last two holes for a three-over 76.
"Conditions were tough out there, but it was the same for everyone," said McGinley who had started his round with two birdies in the opening three holes.
Logue, who started on the 10th, managed seven birdies and just the two dropped shots around the difficult Mayo course. Two bursts of three consecutive birdies, from the 16th and the fifth, did much to shape the leading card.
Leading first round scores from the Irish PGA Championshipa at Westport Golf Club, Co Mayo
Par 73
5 under
Eamon Logue
3 under
Philip Walton
2 under
David Hayes (Dungarven)
Des Smyth (unatt)
1 under
Brian Kerley (Nuremore)
Damien McGrane (Wexford)
Paul Russell (Allen Park)
Brendan McDaid (Rathsallagh)
level
David O'Sullivan (St Margaret's)
Robin Symes (Royal Belfast)
Michael Bannon (Bangor)
1 over
Gary Madden (Galway GC)
Damian Mooney (Laganview GC)
Robert Hutton (Downpatrick)
Brendan McGovern (Headfort)
David Walker (Foxrock)
Francis Howley (Ballyliffen)