GOLF/BRITISH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP: Paul Cutler reproduced the form that has brought so many honours over the past couple of years to sweep into the third round of the British Amateur Championship at Hillside on the Lancashire coast yesterday.
The 22-year-old reigning Irish Close champion and West of Ireland title-holder from Portstewart gave a birdie-packed display to overwhelm France’s Victor Perex 5 and 4.
Cutler, the 2010 Lytham Trophy winner, got off to a flying start winning two of the first three holes, and was five up at the turn. He then won the 11th before suffering his only loss at the 12th.
Halves at 13 and 14 saw him into round three, where he will today face Austrian Philipp Fendt for a place in the last 16.
Garth McGee, the 19-year-old son of Malone club professional Michael, who did well to qualify on Tuesday with a second round 71, looked likely to make progress when he was three up after eight on Norway’s Joakim Mikkelsen, after three birdies and an eagle.
And although McGee played solidly after that with a succession of pars, his opponent squared matters at the 14th.
They were still level after 18.
But at the 19th the Ulsterman hit his second out to the left and could not recover.
Portmarnock’s James Fox never got going against New Zealander Lyndon Edwards, one of the qualifying round leaders.
Edwards won two of the first three holes, went three up at the eighth and went on win 4 and 2.
ST OMER OPEN:Austria's Martin Wiegele was not too disappointed when he failed to qualify for the US Open Championship two weeks ago, as it meant he would be able to defend his title in the Saint-Omer Open this week.
The 32-year-old notched his first European Tour victory 12 months ago at Aa Saint Omer Golf Club, a fortnight after winning the Kärnten Golf Open on the Challenge Tour in his homeland.
“It’s a great feeling to be back here as defending champion,” said Wiegele. “I tried to qualify for the US Open but I missed out by three shots. Although it’s a Major, it wasn’t a huge disappointment because I can come back here.”
Wiegele knows the 6,846-yard, par 72 course is a tough test, with its undulating fairways and steep slopes, but was in an optimistic mood on the eve of the tournament.
“I’ve played here a few times and never had a calm day,” he said. “Every tournament here has been windy and I expect the same again. It won’t be low scoring. I’ll be trying to play smart and use the same tactics as last year.
“It was my first victory on the European Tour and it brings back great memories. I didn’t play last week in Italy because I needed a break. So I’m feeling refreshed and I know if I have a good week I can make some good money. The whole tournament is very well organised and I’ve been made to feel very welcome.”
Simon Thornton, Colm Moriarty and Niall Kearney are the only Irish players competing in France.
