Faithlegg's Robin Dawson and Jack Hume of Naas head an impressive Irish challenge in the European Individual Amateur Championship at the Penati Golf Club in Slovakia, both signing for seven-under-par 65s after Wednesday's opening round.
The Irish duo are in a tie for fifth place, one shot behind the triumvirate of Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult, Iceland’s Haraldur Magnus and Scott Gregory of England. Dawson managed eight birdies and just a single bogey while Hume’s round was blemish free with five birdies and an eagle.
West Waterford and NUIM student Gary Hurley signed for a four-under 68, while Greystones' Paul Dunne, who recently produced such a marvellous performance in the British Open at St Andrews, and who will play in the US Amateur Championships on a special invitation, recorded five birdies and two bogeys in a first round of 69.
Gavin Moynihan of The Island managed a two-under 70, while The Castle’s Alex Gleeson was is a shot further back.
Ballymena’s Dermot McElroy carded a level-par 72, but there was disappointment for Ireland’s highest ranked amateur Cormac Sharvin, who slipped to a 74. He was four over at the turn but fought back well with three birdies and just a single bogey on the back nine. Sharvin will also compete at the US Amateur, along with Hurley and Dunne.
