Richie Coughlan maintained his superb form in the third round of the European Tour Stage 1 qualifying with a brilliant five-under-par, 67 for a three round total of 12-under-the-card. The Luttrellstown Castle professional is perfectly poised in second place, one shot behind England's Paul Simpson.
Barring a complete disaster, the Birr man seems certain to book his place in Pre-Qualifying 11 which will be staged at Pals, Emporada and Peralada from October 26th-29th. Ireland's other two representatives at the Five Lakes course in Essex, Sean Quinlivan and Bryan Omelia, fared admirably and will also push strongly to advance to the next stage.
A delighted Coughlan said: "I'm a good wind player and played very solidly. I'm just going to go out and put it on cruise control." Quinlivan shot a level par, 72 for a total of 214, tied 17th while Omelia is just one shot further adrift following a 71. Jim Carvill matched Coughlan's prowess at the Wynyard Hall venue shooting an identical score, 67, to move from 16th after the second round to tied second, three shots behind England's Charles Challen.
Walker Cup heros, Scots Lorne Kelly (208) and Graham Rankin (209) are one and two shots respectively behind Carvill. There was good news for Tralee's Graham Spring as he made the cut - all players within eight shots of the final qualifying position make the last round - after shooting 71. Languishing in 67th place he will have to post a very low score in today's final round to make the higher grade.
Unfortunately Conor Mallon failed to make the fourth round: his total of 223, two shots outside the cut-off point. At Carden Park, where most of the Irish players are based, only two from a 10 strong contingent will not play today. Kieran McCarthy and John Kelly failed to beat the mark. John Dwyer is best placed of the Irish in a tie for 17th place on 220, with James Loughnane, John Langan, Raymie Burns, Francis Howley and Leslie Walker within seven shots.
Chart Hills proved a course with mixed fortunes for the Irish competitors, Damian Mooney making the cut but Gary Murphy failing to do so.
The decision of Padraig Harrington to play in the US this week prior to his Ryder Cup debut backfired somewhat yesterday when rain limited him to only three holes on the first day of the BC Open in New York State.
The effects of Hurricane Floyd were felt at the event, with less than two hours' play being possible. Harrington was among 60 of the 156 players who did tee off, but was one-over-par after three holes when the suspension came. American Gene Sauers led at three under after five. Conditions are expected to be better today.
