McElroy 12th as Saddier takes control at Sotogrande
Adrien Saddier leads the European Nations Cup by three strokes. Picture by Pat CashmanDermot McElroy moved up the individual standings but it was a disappointing day for Ireland in the third round of the European Nations Cup at Sotogrande.
The plus four handicapper from Ballymena carded a level par 72 to share 12th place on four over par, 11 strokes behind Adrien Saddier of France who fired a 67 to lead by three strokes from Germany’s Maximilian Roehrig and by seven from England’s Toby Tree on seven under.
France leads the team competition by two strokes from England and by 10 from France with Ireland 13 shots behind in fifth place after a tough day at the Cadiz venue
Headfort’s Rory McNamara (76-73-73) and Mourne’s Reeve Whitson (74-72-76) are joint 22nd on six over while British Amateur champion Alan Dunbar, just a month from his appearace in the Masters, was the discarded Irish score for the second day running.
The Rathmore player added a 78 to previous rounds of 74 and 75 to share 37th place on 11 over.
Plus six handicapper Saddier is bidding to make amends for last week’s defeat to Whitson in the semi finals of the Spanish Amateur Open at La Manga.