Japan’s Seiji Ebihara picked up where he left off 12 months ago to claim the lead after the first day’s play in the AIB Senior Irish Open at Adare Manor and Golf Resort today. Denis O’Sullivan is the leading Irishman in a share of second.
All the pre-tournament hype suggested American Bruce Fleisher was going to be the man to beat in County Limerick but the 53-year-old failed to live up to expectations as he stumbled to an opening two-over par 74.
Ehihara, who won the €310,000 event at Powerscourt last year, on the other hand made all the running with today’s six-under 66, a round which took alight on the closing nine holes. Ebihara demonstrated why he is one of the most consistent performers on the senior circuit by reaching the turn in level par with one birdie and one bogey on the card.
Steady then turned into sublime on the way home when Ebihara put together a remarkable run of four birdies from the 11th and added two more for good measure at the 16th and 17th. Returning in 30 shots gave him a two shot overnight lead.
O’Sullivan’s 68 left him sharing second with two Americans, Hank Woodrome and John Grace. The Kerryman, who joined the paid ranks after turning 50 when he was eligible to play on the Senior Tour, carded five birdies with just the one dropped shot at the eighth. Clare’s Joe McDermott is next best of the Irish in a share of fourth, one shot behind O’Sullivan.
Christy O’Connor Jnr, who is the touring professional for the resort, is the main draw of the 11 Irishmen competing at Adare Manor this week. The Galwayman finished with a one-over 73 in a round where a double-bogey six at the 17th will have left a sour taste in the mouth.
O’Connor was one of the players yesterday suggesting Fleisher would be the main threat in a quality field but going on today’s evidence the American must have more left in the tank.