Golf:Damian Mooney continued his rich vein of form to post the target after the first round of the Ladbrokes.com Irish PGA Championship at Seapoint in Co Louth. Mooney carded a six under round of 66 to lead by one from Neil Manchip.
Mooney successfully negotiated the first stage of the European Tour’s qualifying school last weekend, finishing second at a wet and windy Dundonald Links in Scotland, and the Antrim man prospered in similar conditions this afternoon.
Playing alongside course designer Des Smyth, who shares third place with Brian McElhinney on three-under, Mooney set a blistering pace with five birdies in his opening six holes. The 42-year-old’s back nine was somewhat less eventful but a closing birdie took him one clear of Manchip.
The Scot has a similar start earlier in the day and reached the turn in 33. Three further birdies on the back nine and a second dropped shot at the 15th meant the 1999 champion signed for an opening five under 67.
When not competing Manchip serves as National Coach to the GUI and also has clients such as one of this week's favourites in Shane Lowry on his books.
Lowry and fellow European Tour player Damien McGrane are the obvious favourites for this week's €30,000 event which carries a €3,500 top prize. Lowry (70) put himself in a strong position to be in a large chasing pack on two under.
McGrane was a shot further back and although he registered an untimely double-bogey seven at the 10th, the Meath pro rallied with three birdies to finish. Former Ryder Cup hero Philip Walton signed for a one over 73.
Elsewhere the Ladies’ Golf Union named a 16-strong Britain and Ireland squad ahead of next year’s Astor and Vagliano Trophies with the Maguire twins, Lisa and Leona, Danielle McVeigh and Stephanie Meadow all included.
“I am delighted to be working with such a talented young squad,” said Tegwen Matthews, who will captain Britain and Ireland for both events. “Announcing the squad now also gives any unnamed girls a chance to work hard over the winter and make their claim for selection early next year. These are exciting times for ladies’ golf in Great Britain & Ireland.”
The Astor Trophy will take place at Fairhaven Golf Club from June 15th-19th and the Vagliano Trophy at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club on June 24th-25th, 2011.
Britain and Ireland squad(for 2011 Astor and Vagliano Trophies): Hannah Barwood (ENG) (Knowle), Amy Boulden (WAL) (Maesdu), Gemma Bradbury (WAL) (Cottrell Park), Hannah Burke (ENG) (Mid Herts), Holly Clyburn (ENG) (Woodhall Spa), Tara Davies (WAL) (Holyhead), Nikki Foster (ENG) (Pleasington), Louise Kenney (SCO) (Pitreavie), Kelsey MacDonald (SCO) (Nairn Dunbar), Leona Maguire(IRE) (Slieve Russell), Lisa Maguire(IRE) (Slieve Russell), Danielle McVeigh(IRE) (Royal County Down Ladies'), Stephanie Meadow(IRE) (Royal Portrush), Pamela Pretswell (SCO) (Bothwell Castle), Kelly Tidy (ENG) (Royal Birkdale), Sally Watson (SCO) (Elie & Earlsferry Ladies')