MILLTOWN'S Jody Fanagan moved well into contention in the British Amateur Championship at stormstruck Turnberry yesterday with a two-over-par round of 72 across the more demanding Ailsa qualifying course.
The 30-year-old, who reached the semi-finals of this prestigious event at Royal Liverpool last season, sits just one stroke behind the pace-setter on the Ailsa course, Macon Moye of the United States, entering the final qualifying round today.
Moye, a former professional player in the US, countered five bogeys with four birdies.
Walker Cup hero Fanagan rued a run of three bogeys on the inward half when the wind changed direction, but was happy with his opening effort. Graham Spring of Tralee carded a commendable nine-over-par 79 across the same course to give himself an excellent chance of reaching the knockout stages today.
The former Ireland boys' international hopes to make an impression in this flagship amateur event having made such an impression on the national circuit so far this season. He finished third in the Lytham Trophy and sixth in the St. Andrews Links Trophy last month.
His score was matched by Peter Lawrie, of University College Dublin, in an earlier match.
Across the easier Arran course, Colin McElderry of Royal Portrush posted an 11-over-par 79 in a group that bore the brunt of the storm lashing the Ayrshire coast.
In the la group of the day George Paterson of County Sligo carded 73.
Dutch economics student, Niels Boysen, moved into a late lead on the Arran course with a level par round of 68.
