Castleknock and Baltinglass golfer Mark Doogue made the most of the early afternoon conditions to take a two-shot lead on -4 after Round 1 of the Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland Championship on Friday.
The heavy rain held off until just after Doogue posted a brilliant 67 to lead the field at County Sligo, ahead of a two-way tie for second with reigning Bridgestone Order of Merit champion David Shiel (Enniscrone Golf Club) and Rory Gallagher (Galway Bay) locked on -2.
Just five players managed to shoot under par on Friday as Paul O’Hanlon (Carton House) and James Stenson (The Island) both signed for a -1 round of 70.
Doogue was -3 after at the turn and despite bogeys on 15 and 17, three more birdies on his back nine ensured he took the overnight lead, well on his way to securing a spot in the final 64.
“I just felt tee to green I hit the ball really well, I gave myself a lot of chances early on,” said Doogue.
“I obviously took care of all of the Par 5s, birdying them coming in, it was nice, and holed a couple of putts as well which is always a nice positive coming in.
“It’s just keeping plugging away and just trying to shoot another score tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens and I just look forward to it.
“I will probably go home now and make a bit of dinner. Back in the house now with the lads, chill out, maybe watch a soccer match and take my mind off it really.”
Shiel, who made all nine cuts in the championships he played in last year, began his Bridgestone Order of Merit defence with three birdies in his first five holes.
A double bogey on the Par 4 15th could have proved costly and despite another bogey on 16, he bounced back with a crucial birdie at the last.
“I played really lovely, 69 is probably the most I could have had unfortunately,” said Shiel.
“I got a little bit unlucky on 15 and made a mess of it and dropped one on 16 as well but really happy, played really really well. So, feeling good going into the weekend.
“County Sligo suits me really well, growing up playing so much golf in Enniscrone and learning the shots in the wind and on the links turf, played here a lot as a kid as well so know the place inside out.
“Getting to stay at home as well, I love it around here.”
(Text: Golf Ireland)
Here are the first round scores from Co Sligo Golf Club players in the field:
9 members @CountySligoGC in contention. pic.twitter.com/wEU1NIQ8XV
— The County Sligo Golf Club (@CountySligoGC) March 29, 2024
