Three Irishmen stay in contention after Brabazon Trophy cut

A trio of Irishmen are still in contention for the Brabazon Trophy but need strong rounds today over Nottingham’s Hollinwell course if any are to mount a serious challenge for the title.

Jack Hume of Naas and Ballymena’s Dermot McElroy both bounced back from one-over par first-rounds with one-under 71s yesterday and means they go into this morning’s third round on par and five shots behind home favourite Ben Taylor.

Cormac Sharvin, who also goes into this morning’s third round on level par, is still well placed but could only manage a one-over par 73 yesterday, following on from his first round 71.

The 22-year-old from Ardglass – who is hoping to secure a spot in the Walker Cup side to face to Americans at Royal Lytham and St Annes in September – will be hoping he has saved his best golf for the final two rounds.

Meanwhile a host of other Irish players managed to survive the cut – made at 60 and ties at the end of yesterday’s play. They include Conor O’Rourke (Naas) and The Island duo Kevin LeBlanc and Paul McBride, with the trio all starting today one-over par.