Amateur golfBrian KeoghBrian Casey, Jack Hume, Jeff Hopkins, Matt McAlpin, Richard O'Donovan, Rory McNamara, Welsh Amateur Open Strokeplay

O'Donovan blows hot in Wales

Amateur golfBrian KeoghBrian Casey, Jack Hume, Jeff Hopkins, Matt McAlpin, Richard O'Donovan, Rory McNamara, Welsh Amateur Open Strokeplay

Richie O’Donovan made a great start in the Welsh Amateur with a 67 at Royal Portcawl. Picture by Pat CashmanLucan’s Richie O’Donovan fired eight birdies in a five under 67 to share the first round lead in the Welsh Amateur Open Strokeplay at Royal Portcawl.

Hoping to impress watching Walker Cup captain Nigel Edwards, the Dubliner shares top spot with England’s Callum Shinkwin and Garrick Porteous, one clear of European Individual champion and home hope Rhys Pugh.

Scores

Rathsallagh’s Jack Hume bounced back from his disappointing finish in the Irish Amateur Open on Sunday to card a one under 71 for a share of 12th but the rest of the Irish contingent finished over par.

Headfort’s Rory McNamara is 41st after a 74 with clubmate Brian Casey 64th after a 75.

Jeff Hopkins and Matt McAlpin posted six over 78s.