Moynihan leads early in Port Elizabeth

Gavin Moynihan. Picture by Pat Cashman

The Island's Gavin Moynihan scorched out of the blocks at the start of the Irish Senior panel's two week trip to South Africa, firing a five under 67 to grab a one stroke lead after the opening round of the 54-hole Srixon Eastern Province / Border Strokeplay Championship. 

The Dubliner, one of five Irishmen named in the initial GB&I Walker Cup squad last week, headed out for this afternoon's second round with the slimmest of leads over South Africa's Jason Smith at Port Elizabeth Golf Club near Johannesburg

With the wind getting up considerably for the afternoon rounds, it promised to be a tough day for the nine-man Irish squad, who made varied starts to the week.

West Waterford's Gary Hurley fired a fine 69 with Naas' Jack Hume on one under after a 72 and Stackstown's Richard Bridges posting a level par 72 as the rest of the panel shot over par.

The Irish squad will compete in the South African Amateur Stroke Play at Port Elizabeth from Tuesday.

Srixon Eastern Province / Border Strokeplay Championship, Port Elizabeth GC (Par 72)

Leading (Irish) scores (Par 72)

67 Gavin Moynihan

68 Jason Smith (RSA)

69 Gary Hurley 

71 Jack Hume

72 Richard Bridges 

73 John-Ross Galbraith

74 Cormac Sharvin 

75 Colm Campbell, Dermot McElroy

78 Robin Dawson