Thornton three clear at Moyvalley
22/09/2016
Simon Thornton is three shots clear of the field after round one of the Irish PGA Championship at Moyvalley Hotel and Golf Resort.
The 39-year-old from Newcastle, struggling with a foot injury, limped around the Twin Oaks Championship Course on Thursday but still managed to produce the best score of the day – a seven under par 65.
“In some ways it makes things easier. I can only swing the club one way at the moment so it takes away a lot of options,” said Thornton who collected seven birdies and an eagle in Thursday's round with two bogeys coming at the fourth and 11th.
“That was a good score today. I probably only hit two shots where I didn't want them go.
“It suited me today. There was a bit of a breeze which I enjoy.”
The reigning Order of Merit champion, Eamonn Brady (Clontarf Golf Club), is in second place on four under par alongside Keith Shannon who was left to rue a double-bogey at the 18th.
“I found the water twice. Even a bogey wouldn't have been so bad,” said the 28-year-old from Forkhill in Co Armagh who started his round with a bogey but then added five birdies and an eagle.
“I've only played a handful of times this season because I've been working to finish my PGA qualifications so I wasn't too sure how I was going to get on. After that bogey at the first I actually stayed pretty patient. I'm happy, it's a good start.”
Andy Hogan (Edmondstown), Chris Carvill (Belvoir Park) and Cian McNamara (Monkstown) are tied for fourth after opening with rounds of three under 69.
“A very steady round of golf, 15 pars and three birdies,” said McNamara.
“Nothing was great and nothing was bad. I'm pretty happy with it – it was solid.”
Defending champion Niall Kearney is in a group of five players who ended the day on two under par.
“I think I hit 17 greens in regulation. I could have holed a few more putts but it was a steady start and gives me a decent platform for the rest of the week,” said Kearney
** The 106th Irish PGA Championship is being staged - In Association with Title Sponsors Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort, Official Media Partners Golf Digest Ireland and Classic Hits 4FM and with support from House of Waterford Crystal and Skycaddie.
