McCormack hits the front in Portuguese Amateur

Eddie McCormack is out in front in Portugal. Picture courtesy of Pat Cashman/GUIGalway’s Eddie McCormack fired a second round 71 to grab a one-stroke lead at the halfway stage of the Portuguese Amateur Open at Montado near Lisbon.

The 39-year old Cavan man, who was tied for fourth after an opening 69, bounced back from early bogeys at the first and fourth with an eagle two at the 10th. He then followed a bogey at the 165-yard 12th with a three consecutive birdies from the 13th before closing with a bogey at the 170-yard 18th.

McCormack leads on four under par 140, a stroke clear of Finland’s Tapio Pulkkanen, Holland’s Daan Huizing and Frenchman Paul Barjon.

Forrest Little’s Eoin Arthurs is the next best of the Irish, tied 15th on level par after a 73 with Knock’s Nicky Grant a shot further back in 18th after a joint best of the day, five under par 67.

Grant opened his week with a 78 but improved by 11 strokes as he erased three bogeys with an eagle and six birdies.

The rest of the Irish contingent has work to do to make the 54-hole cut for the top 40 and ties.

Harry Diamond is three shots outside the mark on six over after a 73 with Rory McNamara (73) and Walker Cup player Alan Dunbar (75) on seven over.

Matthew Wylie was recorded as a “No Show” following his first round 79.