Irish players continue to make an impression on the college scene in the US, with former Irish Close champion Graeme McDowell leading the way at the University of Alabama. McDowell, from Rathmore, finished fourth behind the US number one amateur DJ Trahan in last week's Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate tournament in Bermingham, Alabama. McDowell finished three shots off the pace after rounds of 68, 70 and 70 for a five-under-par total of 208. McDowell also led Alabama to ninth place behind Oklahoma State, and they finish off the autumn season in the Louisiana Intercollegiate in Baton Rouge next week.

Meanwhile, the University of Toledo, which has three Irish players on its five-man team, finished 10th behind Virginia Tech at the Duke Golf Classic in North Carolina. Sean McTernan from Co Sligo led the way with rounds of 78, 73 and 74 to finish 21st overall. Alan Murray (Greystones) was 44th after rounds of 78, 79 and 73 while David Jones was 54th after shooting 76, 80 and 77.

Belfast's James Clarke tied for 54th place at the Gary Koch/Cleveland Intercollegiate in Tampa after rounds of 73, 74 and 80, while Kenneth Fahy was five shots back on 22 after shooting 82, 77 and 73.