Liam Grehan made home advantage count on day one of the Irish Challenge at the K Club South Course as he roared into contention with a superb five-under 67.
Grehan carded six birdies and just one dropped shot on a beautiful Thursday morning in Straffan, cheered on by a sizeable contingent of K Club members, the popular golfer is just four shots off the lead held by Joakim Lagergren who shot a course record 63.
“It’s the same score I shot in my first pro-am here when myself and David Higgins won so it was nice to emulate that today,” said Grehan who is making his first appearance in the event since it was last held here in 2022.
“I had one bogey on 11 and hit four-iron pin high and I tried to putt it through the fringe and with it into the grain it just jumped and I had loads of chances from there, could have been two or three better. It’s nice to be giving myself chances, I’m hitting the ball great, keep trying to do that and see what happens.”
The 28-year-old teed off from the 10th and after picking up a birdie on 11 before handing it back on 12 the PGA in Ireland and Clutch Pro Tour player looked very comfortable at this level.
Grehan rolled in birdies on 14, 15 and 18 before cruising through the back nine with birdies on the 2nd and 7th to lie in a share of sixth place.
The Mullingar man would love to keep the local members entertained for the weekend and generate a carnival atmosphere.
“From the first tee shot there was at least fifteen members and it built on from there so it was a great atmosphere, it really feels like a proper tour event, even the pro am was class and with the budget here they do a great job and it’s class to play well in this.
“It’s been class it would be a great buzz to get more out. It’s so close to Dublin even to come down with weather like this it’s worth coming down to watch.
“I’m really happy to be honest, just keep the mental game in the right place and I should be good. I’m hitting the ball as well as I ever have so really have a fair idea of how far I carry it and it’s going pretty straight and hopefully keep that going.”