Sparkling 67 sees Jonathan Yates lead field in Tramore

Naas native in top form at the AIG Irish Amateur Close Championship

Previous winners including major winners Padraig Harrington (1995) and Graeme McDowell (2000). Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Previous winners including major winners Padraig Harrington (1995) and Graeme McDowell (2000). Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

Jonathan Yates produced a sparkling display at Tramore on Tuesday to lead the field in the first qualifying round of the AIG Irish Amateur Close Championship.

The Naas player fired a five under 67 to head a five-strong group of players by two strokes and is in pole position to grab one of the top slots in the knock-out draw.

Among those on 69 is Tullamore's Stuart Grehan who is enjoying a marvellous summer while Alex Gleeson of Castle is also on that mark.

Grehan was joined on 69 by Robin Dawson,Eoin Arthurs,Gavin Smyth and the aforementioned Gleeson.

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The leading 64 after Wednesday’s’s second round qualify for the first round of matchplay on Thursday.