Smyth enjoys birdie blitz

Eight birdies from Des Smyth along with two holes in one and some spectacular net eagles, lent appropriate stimulation to the Smurfit Christy O'Connor ProAm at The K Club yesterday. It culminated in the team award going to Tony Smurfit's quartet who combined for a stunning 56 strokes - 16 under par.

Smyth, a previous winner of this event, was joint leading professional with South Africa's Roger Wessels on four-under-par 68, each receiving £2,825. Then, in a tie for third place, Eamonn Darcy's only blemish in a 69 was a bogey at the treacherous 16th where he took three from off the right edge.

"I'm delighted to have made so many birdies which I find hard to come by on the European Tour," said Smyth afterwards. "And off the blue tees, this is the best score I've done around here."

Smyth's birdies and bogeys were a mixture of some excellent and indifferent putting. He three-putted twice but holed from 35 feet for a birdie on the 15th. His other birdies came on the first, fourth, eighth, ninth, 11th, 17th and 18th.

Meanwhile, Jim Carvill holed a six-iron for an ace at the 12th and Gary Evans holed an eight-iron at the 17th.

Four teams on 56 had to be separated on a countback and the crucial difference was made by local member Dermot Cantillon, who had a par net eagle at the 14th and again at the 15th where he used his 24-handicap to splendid effect. Among those edged out on that figure were the Desmonds - Dermot, Pat and son Ross - who had nines of 28.