Castleknock golfer Paul Coughlan said it was a stress-free opener as he posted a scintillating 67 to take the lead after the opening round of the North of Ireland Amateur Open Championship.
In contrast to 2023, the conditions were ideal at Royal Portrush with Coughlan getting to -5, closely followed by Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas) and Matthew Wilson (Forres).
Eight players registered under-par rounds on Wednesday, with four more back on level par, but they will all have to chase down Coughlan after his blistering start.
The recent Munster Men’s Amateur Open Champion, who helped Ireland secure bronze in the European Mid-Amateur Team Championship last weekend, has been in red hot form this season.
He had two bridies on the opening nine today and four more coming in, and despite a solitary bogey on the 17th, it was enough to hold a two-shot overnight lead.
“Basically just the same again, just attack it where you can. I laid back a few times today when there was a bit of trouble floating around. Just accept you are going to have a mid-iron in and rely on your ball-striking,” said Coughlan.
“It went really well today. Tee to green was probably as solid as I’ve been all year. Iron play was really really good. I didn’t really find much trouble. Got a bit of a bad break on 17 with a bounce but other than that it was stress-free for the most part.”
But there are some big names in behind, including reigning Irish Mid-Amateur champion O’Keeffe. He began his week with a 69, with two bogeys on seven and 15 costing him a share of the lead.
Brian Doran (Millicent), who is currently second just ahead of Couglan in the Bridgestone Order of Merit, is back in T13 on +1.
They both remain right in contention and playing at the host venue for The Open next year, is a huge bonus for these players with the conditions looking to remain favourable for the rest of the week.
“I’m high enough up in the Order of Merit as well, I’m a little bit behind Brian but try and put a bit of pressure on if you can. I wouldn’t really miss this place if I’m around. It’s too good of an opportunity to pass up to play here,” said Coughlan.
“Unbelievable, it’s one of the best golf courses in the world for a reason. The place is absolutely immaculate and when you get weather like this, it’s not often we get weather like this so enjoy it while we can.”
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