Giles grabs advantage in Irish PGA Championship

A 'stress-free' three-under-par round of 66 earned Robert Giles the lead on the opening day of the 104^th Irish PGA Championship in association with the Down Syndrome Centre at Adare Manor GC.

The 44-year-old Greenore PGA Professional coped superbly with the blustery conditions at the Co Limerick venue and leads Brendan McGovern, Graeme Dunlea, Peter Jones and pre-tournament pro-am winner, Michael McDermott, by a shot heading into day two.

“There was no pressure out there today and it could even have been a bit better,” said Giles, who is fit and healthy again after knee and ankle injuries in 2012/2013 curtailed his appearances on The PGA in Ireland circuit.

“I only used the driver twice in the round today. I thought before I came down that maybe this course wouldn't suit me, but I don't hit many drivers in a round normally so it sets up quite well for me. You have to keep it in play and hopefully hole a few putts.”

Just seven players managed to better par at a venue which, while short by modern standards, puts a premium on course management and accuracy.

Dunlea, from the nearby Adare Manor Resort, stuck to his game plan of being 'aggressive without being reckless' to open with a solid round of 67.

“I started nicely and holed a couple of good par putts at 12 and 14 to keep the round going,” said the 29-year-old, who has won three times on The PGA in Ireland circuit this season.

“I had good chances for birdies on my closing four holes and on another day it could have been a 64, but, the other side of this is that it could also have been a 70.”

Defending champion, Michael McGeady, stayed in touch with an opening round of one-over-par 70, but Colm Moriarty, recent winner of the Ulster PGA Championship, signed for a six-over 75 that leaves him tied for 62 and battling to make the cut which will fall at top 50 and ties.