Welshman Tom Matthews has developed a love for the Flogas Irish Men’s Amateur Open Championship and his first trip out by the Wild Atlantic Way is going very well so far.
Matthews lies five shots off the halfway pace at County Sligo Golf Club on three-under-par, in what is his third appearance at the Irish Amateur Open.
The former Welsh Amateur champion has a best finish of 12th in the 2021 Irish Amateur, coming at the European Club while he also played at the North of Ireland Amateur in Portrush last year – two courses he ranks as his favourites in Ireland.
This is his first trip to Rosses Point and he is enjoying the beautiful sunshine.
“I’ve played in Ireland, I’ve never played this far West so this is a first for me. The guys are saying I couldn’t have picked a better week for the weather,” said Matthews.
“The weather is great, golf course is brilliant so I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
Irish championships seem to be a popular stop for the Cheshire man who is the leading international player through two rounds here.
He has developed a love affair with links golf in Ireland.
“It’s always a great event, year after year and it’s a brilliant event to put in a calendar, overall a really good event and it’s one to play in the season.
“It’s a different test. It’s different to parkland, you have to use your imagination more and yeah, I enjoy links golf.
“It’s good to lead the internationals and the Welsh players, I want to play well and have a good season this year.”