Digest: Sixth spot for Carey in Egypt; Irish struggle in Tshwane Open

Justin Harding. Picture: Getty Images

Alps Tour — David Carey made five birdies in a closing three under 69 to finish sixth in the Ein Bay Open at Sokhna Golf Club in Egypt.

David Carey

The 19-year old Dubliner finished on six under par 210, six behind winner Franck Daux of France, who closed with a 65 to win by three on 12 under from compatriot Julien Foret.

Daux earned €12,000 with Carey picking up €1,210. Scores

European Tour — Kevin Phelan, Peter Lawrie and Ruaidhri McGee have work to do to make the cut in the Tshwane Open in South Africa.

Phelan is tied for 81st on three over after a 73 while McGee and Lawri back in joint 135th after six over 76s.

South Africa's Justin Harding, 30, fired a brilliant 63 to take the first-round lead on a day when just 22 of the field managed to shoot under par in almost perfect weather conditions in Waterkloof near Pretoria.

Harding recorded eight birdies and just a single dropped shot to get to seven under and open up a one-shot lead over countryman Anthony Michael, with qualifier Theunis Spangenberg a further shot back.

Defending champion George Coetzee was in the group at two under, with Joburg Open champion Haydn Porteous firing a level par 70 to sit a shot clear of fellow 2016 winners Charl Schwartzel and Brandon Stone.

José-Filipe Lima made just the third hole-in-one in Tshwane Open history when he aced the par three fifth hole with a seven iron from 198 yards on his way to a one over par 71.