England teenager Harley Smith tied the amateur course record as he raced into the lead on day one of the Flogas Irish Men’s Amateur Open Championship at The Island on Thursday.
It was a stunning round of 67 for a five under total from the 18-year-old Essex golfer, taking a one-shot overnight lead over Scotland’s Ross Laird even though he played in the difficult half of the draw.
The weather improved dramatically in the afternoon and there were perfect conditions for a star-studded field which included 10 of the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup squad.
The Irish were well represented on the leader board too with Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk) carding a three-under 69 to sit third in the standings.
Elsewhere, Keith Egan (Carton House) and Paul Coughlan (Castlekn …