Walker Cup player Jonathan Caldwell led just Irish players into the matchplay stages of the British Amateur Championship at a windy Turnberry this morning.

The 23-year-old from Clandeboye mastered the torrid conditions over the Ailsa course and battled to a one-over 71 for a two-under aggregate of 140.

Caldwell, who helped Ireland win the European Team Championship title at Western Gailes last summer, made an early move with a 35-foot uphill putt for birdie at the sixth, and he found another at the ninth to reach the turn in 33.

As the wind strengthened, Caldwell fought against the elements on the inward half and despite spilling a trio of shots at 12, 13 and 17, the South Alabama University graduate was more than content with his effort over the course that will stage next year's Open..

"Given the conditions, I would have gladly taken a 71 at the start of theday," said Caldwell, who picked up one and half points from a possible three during Great Britain and Ireland's narrow Walker Cup defeat to the US at County Down last September.

"The main aim is to qualify for the matchplay and now that I've got the first job out of the way I can prepare myself for the next stage."

Lurgan's Gareth  Shaw and Niall Kearney of Royal Dublin were the only other two Irish players to progress to the championship proper.

Sam Hutsby was the leading qualifier, plotting his way round in torrid conditions on the Ayrshire coast.

With scores soaring - American Cole Willis took 20 shots to play the 12th and 17th in a ghastly 87 — Hutsby battled against the wind and rain to emerge with a one-over 71 for a three-under aggregate of 139.

Meanwhile, defending champion Drew Weaver of the US saw his hopes suffer a crippling blow as he slipped to a 78. Weaver finished with an total of 153 and was set to miss the qualifying cut.

English veteran Gary Wolstenholme, the Amateur champion in 1991 and 2003, also
made an early exit after a second consecutive 77 gave him a 154.