European amateur champion Rory McIlroy had made a solid start to his campaign in the opening qualifying round of the British Amateur Championship today.
The Co Down teenager fired a 69 at the St Annes Old Links course in Lancashire but was unable to keep pace with leaders David Corsby and Craig Evans who recorded seven-under 65s.
Lloyd Saltman, a four-time champion on the UK amateur circuit this season, carded a 71 but Walker Cup stalwart Nigel Edwards slithered to a 75.
At the neighbouring Royal Lytham & St Annes course, David Horsey equalled the course record with a seven-under-par 64, the same score as Tom Lehman posted on his way to winning the 1996 Open over the famous links.
Horsey, who is part of the GB&I Walker Cup training squad, said: "I had the advantage of an early start today and that was helpful. The conditions were nice and calm and I made the most of it.
"The Walker Cup is the goal this season and if I make the team then I'll turn pro after that."
Jamie Moul, a semi-finalist last year and Brabazon Trophy winner this season, began with a 68 but Gary Wolstenholme, the two-time amateur champion, struggled to a two-over 73.
