The first round of the OFX Irish Legends event at Seapoint Golf Links took place in bening conditions on Thursday and continues today.
Bright skies and light winds ensured that the players could make the most of the chances they created, with a low-scoring day.
Last week’s tournament host, Paul Lawrie, was relishing the links test on a day with little wind. The 1999 Open Champion got the turn in 2-under par before making back-to-back birdies at the 10th and 11th holes.
He would make a further four birdies on the back nine, with just the one dropped shot on the way back in as he signed for a round of 67 (-5) and the early clubhouse lead.
“I played nicely and had a lot of really good shots. I left a few out there, to be honest, but it’s still a good score,” he said.
“It’s tricky whenever you’re playing links golf and there’s a little bit of wind and the ground is firm, it’s tough to get the ball exactly pin high.”
He shares that lead with his playing partner Patrik Sjöland – the 2023 Legends Tour Rookie of the Year. The Swede also enjoyed a round of seven birdies and just two bogeys as the former Irish Open winner on the DP World Tour got off to a strong start.
“I played a bit up and down today. I played some great shots and some really ugly ones, but I managed to miss it in the in the right places. I’m very pleased with a 67 today on a links course. I hit some lovely up and downs with my seven wood from the hollows around the greens today.”
“I know I played well here last year, and, of course, I want to play well this year as well. It would be nice to get a win here and then to have a double Irish Open. We’ll see – I’m happy with my start, and we have two more days to go.”
Angel Cabrera won his maiden Legends Tour title last weekend at Hanbury Manor as he claimed the Paul Lawrie Match Play presented by Petsure. After his opening round in Ireland, he sits just one shot behind last week’s host.
The two-time Major winner was 1-under-par to the turn but played the back nine in 33 shots to end his first round with a 68.
South African Keith Horne is also on -4 (68) after a flying start, two birdies and an eagle at the halfway point of his round before an even-par second nine.
A total of 19 players are within four shots of the lead after the opening day, including defending champion Peter Baker, who shot a 3-under-par round of 69.
The second round begins at 8:30 am on Friday at Seapoint Golf Links, with the leaders (Lawrie & Sjöland) off at 10:50 am.
OFX is sponsoring the tournament this year for the first time, and Maeve McMahon, CEO and a Board Member at the FAI was playing in the Pro-Am earlier in the week alongside Niall Quinn.
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