Simon Edwards from Cheshire came within a shot of Eamonn Darcy's course record of 64 at County Louth yesterday in the opening round of the Glenmuir Club Professional Championship. A front nine of 34 and back nine of 31 gave the 30-year-old Englishman a one-shot lead over Mark Bradley from Lancashire, while Headfort professional Brendan McGovern spearheaded the Irish challenge with a fourunder 69.

McGovern, who started at the 10th, only carded a one-over 37 on his opening nine, but it was a different story after the turn.

A nine-iron to four feet at the first brought his first gain and further birdies at holes three, six eight and nine for an inward 32 put a justified smile on his face.

Out first yesterday at 7.45 a.m., Leslie Walker (Dundalk) set the sub-par tone for the day with a three-under 70, while late in the day, Leslie Robinson (Donegal) and Michael Allan (Leopardstown), the new Irish club professional champion, moved into contention with 71s.