Sport

Selfridge smells flowers and takes charge in Portrush

IRISH AMATEUR CLOSE CHAMPIONSHIP: WHILE SOME took the “don’t hurry” part of Walter Hagen’s famous phrase far too literally, …

BRIAN KEOGH
Sat May 26 2012 - 01:00

IRISH AMATEUR CLOSE CHAMPIONSHIP:WHILE SOME took the "don't hurry" part of Walter Hagen's famous phrase far too literally, Moyola Park's Chris Selfridge was faithful to the rest as he cruised to a seemingly effortless six-under-par 66 to claim the first round lead in the Golfsure Irish Amateur Close Championship at a sun-kissed Royal Portrush.

On a day when some threeballs took close to six hours to battle their way around the famous Dunluce Links, the 20-year-old US scholarship student from Castledawson in Derry made sure he never worried and smelled the flowers along the way as he carded an eagle and four birdies to surge into the lead on a picture perfect day.

The former Irish Boys international, freshman of the year for his performances in the Mid American Conference for the University of Toledo this season, leads by two strokes from Walker Cup star Alan Dunbar, of Rathmore, Ardee’s recently crowned Muster Youths champion Eugene Smith and former Youths international Andrew Hogan of Newlands.

With the course reduced in length by almost 300 yards to 6,845 yards to protect tees for the eagerly awaited Irish Open in four weeks, Selfridge took advantage of a favourable east wind to play the four par-fives in five under par, to go with birdie fours at the second, ninth and 17th and a sweet three at the 13th.

READ MORE

“I never putted so badly as I did in the Senior Cup last week so I changed putter and it’s working,” Selfridge beamed. “It’s the most beautiful golf course in the these conditions, how could you not enjoy yourself out there.

“I took the game very seriously a few years ago but I am just trying to enjoy it more now. I played at Boys level for three years but I haven’t won a tournament since the 2007 Ulsters Youths. Am I due? Maybe!”

Dunbar was a doubtful starter because of flu but still managed to post a 68 featuring an eagle at the ninth, five birdies and three bogeys to keep his hopes alive.

West of Ireland champion Harry Diamond, of Belvoir Park did well to shoot a one-over 73 after starting with a triple-bogey seven at the first and a bogey at the third, while Galway’s Eddie McCormack aced the 168-yard third en route to a 74.