Templepatrick club professional Eamon Logue was forced into a share of his overnight lead with Ashbourne’s John Dwyer on day two of the Smurfit Irish PGA Championship in treacherous conditions at Westport today.
Logue experienced the highs and the lows in the last 48 hours after dropping back to level par with today’s five-over 78 which followed yesterday’s opening 68. Dwyer on the other hand was the model of consistency carding his second level par round.
"The conditions were horrible out there but I am pleased to still have a share of the lead and be in contention whatever happens," said Logue.
A quality trio of, Paul McGinley, Des Smyth and Damien McGrane, are tucked in behind the leaders on two-over. McGinley improved with today’s 72 after closing with two double bogeys yesterday.
"The conditions were miserable, the worst I have played in," explained McGinley who also praised the PGA for the way they set up the course given the inclement weather.
Smyth, in search of a record eighth National title, dropped from two-under to two-over with today’s 77 while McGrane (Wexford) went one better with a 76.
Philip Walton will be cursing the 17th after a triple bogey seven at the par four undid much of his hard work earlier in the round. At one stage the Malahide professional was leading on two-under but eventually slipped back to three-over overall after today’s 79.
The wind was so strong that Dywer’s ball was blown off the 15th green but it did not disrupt his focus:
"My game is sharp enough to win here," explained Dwyer afterwards whose thoughts differ from many of the club professionals who believe the Championship is too early in the season.
This year the event was brought forward from its normal October slot in the calendar, and for many, Westport is their first competitive outing of the season.
The high cut of 11-over 157 illustrates the difficult task of completing the course without dropping many shots. With 48 players and ties on the mark, a total of 56 players make it into the weekend.
Leading second round scores:
Level
Eamon Logue (H, Templepatrick) (36)
John Dwyer (Ashbourne) (36)
2 over
Des Smyth (unatt) (36)
Damien McGrane (Wexford) (36)
Paul McGinley (The K-Club) (36)
Robin Symes (Royal Belfast) (27)
3 over
Philip Walton (Westwood Fitness)(36)
Michael Bannon (Bangor)(36)
David Hayes (Dungarven) (27)
4 over
Robbie Hutton (Downpatrick) (36)
Brendan McDaid (Rathsallagh) (36)
David Ryan (Cork) (36)
5 over
Damian Mooney (Laganview) (36)
Paul Russell (Allen Park) (36)
Martin Sludds (Enniscorthy) (36)
John Dignam (Slade Valley) (36)
6 over
Francis Howley (Ballyliffen) (36) Paul Russell (Allen Park) (36)
Eddie Doyle (Heath) (36)