Irish Men's Amateur Close: Home course advantage for early leader Keith Egan

August 18, 2023 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff

Keith Egan (Golf Ireland)

Carton House is good to Egan as he shoots a 4-under 66. Storm Betty looms off the coast and could cause trouble

This story is courtesy of Golf Ireland

Carton House golfer Keith Egan says he will go with the same game plan for the weekend after a strong showing on the opening day of the Irish Men’s Amateur Close.

Egan was outstanding all day, particularly on the back nine, where four birdies helped him to a stunning 66 and a 4 under total in Malone.

It was enough to give Egan a two-shot lead over the pair of Rob Moran and Simon Ward, who both shot 68 at opposite sides of the day.

It was difficult conditions all day in Belfast and with Storm Betty hitting land on Friday afternoon, it will likely cause more problems through Saturday, but Egan is confident he can keep his game on track.

“Unreal, that's the plan anyways (to win),” said Egan. “That’s always the plan when you come to these things but it’s a long road. Just need another good score tomorrow and then try leave myself in a good spot."

Playing well in bad weather will be pivotal this weekend. “You just need to play well no matter what the conditions are so it's same game plan. If the wind gets a little stronger I might change certain shots on certain tees but overall you just have to hit it good tee to green here."

Egan's round turned a corner when he bounced back after a bogey on the 10th hole. “I had four birdies on the back nine. I kind of just got it going, I played very nice all day. I had a sloppy bogey on ten and then I got it going after that," Egan said. "It was a nice bounce back and overall I played lovely.”

Moran made much of the early ground on Friday morning, he was in the same group as Liam Nolan and reigning champion Quentin Carew who both finished on Level Par.

Only seven golfers managed to shoot under par on the day, with Adam Cromwell, Jordan Boles, David Howard, and Jack McDonnell also in the red.

However, Carew is poised for another big weekend, and he says the pressure is off after his success last year.

“It went pretty good, happy enough. Today, standing on the first tee you’re thinking obviously just stay in it, don’t play yourself out of it,” said Carew.“This is one where I feel more relaxed about it. I don’t know is it because I’ve won it, I’ve won it so just go out and enjoy it this week. That’s what I’m trying to do, just attack."

📺

Rob Moran was clubhouse leader for much of the day today at the @AIGIreland Irish Men’s Close. He still goes into the weekend, well in contention on -2.

Live Scoring: https://t.co/iCRWmY4MMj @MaloneGC | @Castlegolfclub pic.twitter.com/wXmwJ5WPmy
— Golf Ireland (@GolfIreland_) August 18, 2023

Results: Irish Amateur Close

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Robert Moran	, Ireland	400	68-71-66-74=279
2	Quentin Carew	, Ireland	300	70-68-70-71=279
3	Jack Hearn	, Ireland	200	70-67-72-72=281
4	Keith Egan	, Ireland	200	66-74-69-73=282
T5	Brandon St. John	, Ireland	200	72-69-73-71=285

View full results for Irish Amateur Close

About the Irish Amateur Close

Irish Men's Amateur Close: Home course advantage for early leader Keith Egan

The tournament is open to all Clubs affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland. Format is 64-player match play, preceded by a 36-hole stroke play qualifier.