Day two of Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Open Championship proved another stern test, as tough conditions in Moyvalley resulted in only six golfers managing to shoot under-par, with high winds causing damage to the scorecards.
The target was-3 on Wednesday and that remains the score to beat as Alan Condren (Greystones) and Gianluca Bolla (Italy) plotted their way around the tricky Kildare course to move into the final day tied for the lead.
“It was a lot tougher today. Wind was a lot stronger and kind of across on a lot of the holes so made it a little bit tricky but drove it really well, hit my irons solid and a couple of putts makes it nice and easy,” said Condren.
Condren signed for the best score of the day to bring himself right into contention heading into the final round. Following his first round 73, last year’s Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Close Stroke Play winner only blotted the copybook once on his way to a superb -4 round of 68. That included three birdies and an eagle on the Par 5 13th giving him a share of the lead.
“Delighted now in the end. Played very solid today, struggled yesterday with my irons so went home last night and did about an hour and a half practice with the irons. Worked today, so happy enough” said Condren.
With his game trending in the right direction going into Round 3, Condren was positive when looking towards tomorrow.
“We’ll go home and have a rest and give it our best. If I play well, I have a chance that’s all I can tell you. I think the weather is supposed to be a little bit better tomorrow so onwards and upwards, I hope”.
Following up his solid opening round 72, Bolla carded a -3 round of 69, highlighted by a stretch of three birdies across the closing five holes, a bogey on the last kept the Italian from holding the top spot by himself.
54 plus ties made the cut at the end of play and with weather due to improve on Friday, plenty of names including 2023 runner-up Joe Lyons (-1) (Galway) and Eddie McCormack (E) (Galway Bay) all remain in contention.
Another player within touching distance of the leaders is Shane Kenneally. Sharing the lead overnight, the Kinsale golfer faired similarly to many other players in the field in finding it hard to battle the conditions but with a round of 74 leaving him just two shots off the lead on -1, he is looking forward to tomorrow.
“Just got to relax after the round and take it in,” said Kennealy.
“It’s tough going out there today, the wind is a lot stronger than yesterday. Played the ball well, was -4 at one stage, just a few chipping and putting got away from me on the back nine but all to play for tomorrow.
“We just need a coffee and a chill for ten minutes and then we’ll recharge and go for it again tomorrow”.
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