THREE Irish internationals had the disappointment of being involved in a dramatic collapse by East Tennessee State University in a collegiate tournament at Forest Hills GC, Augusta, over the weekend. Having led by a cumulative four strokes after spectacular scoring on Saturday, they eventually had to settle for third place behind the winners, Nevada Reno.

Keith Nolan, who shot a tournament best round of 66, was second leading individual going into the final round of the 54 hole event. And the Bray player remained in a strong position at the halfway stage on Sunday. However, a dismal, closing nine of 40, including two three putts, led to a four over par 76.

Still, with a three round aggregate of 216, 74,66,76 Nolan was tied third in the individual table, two strokes behind the joint winners, Heath Slocum of South Alabama and Chuck Italiano of the triumphant Nevada Reno team.

Brian Omelia, with rounds of 74 and 71, was also prominent going into the final round but he, too, faded on Sunday, as did the third Irish member of the Tennessee side, Eamonn Brady. Indeed it became a particularly dispiriting weekend for Brady, given that he had to forego the chance of defending the West of Ireland title at Rosses Point.