Irish Amateur Open: Dhont shoots course-record 66

DUBLIN, Ireland (May 7, 2011) -- Belgian Rutger Dhont shot a brilliant course record 66 on day 2 of the Irish Amateur Open Championship at The Royal Dublin, but it was Welshman Rhys Pugh who led the field with an assured performance in a two-under 70. Pugh is two under for the championship going into the final day, one shot ahead of Scot Gordon Stevenson and two clear of Irish teenager Paul Dunne (Greystones) and Eddie McCormack (Galway). Defending champion Alan Dunbar, pictured, is still well in the hunt after a second round 72, just three shots back on one over. First round leader Robin Kind dug deep after a poor start, birdying the final three holes for a 76, five shots off the lead on three over, and tied with Dhont, whose course record was a tremendous recovery from a first round 81.