Garth MCGimpsey is just one stroke off the lead as he heads into today's final round bidding for a 13th senior title in the Ulster Seniors Amateur Open at Donegal Golf Club.

The winner of 14 regular "majors", McGimpsey has 12 wins as a senior with two victories in the Connacht Seniors (2016, 2013), one in Munster (2016), three Irish Seniors Close titles (2011, 2012, 2013) and six Ulster Seniors (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016).

His strike rate of 12 wins from 26 starts in Irish seniors events is a remarkable 46 percent and a two over 75 at Murvagh left the Royal Portrush man just a shot behind pace-setting Peter Rogers from Dundalk, who opened with a one-over 74.

Glorious sunshine and only the slightest of breezes greeted the morning starters and the scoring matched the weather with Rogers making four birdies in a fine round.

McGimpsey, who was unfortunate to finish his day with a bogey at the ninth, shares second with two former champions in Lucan's Mervyn Eager and Portmarnock's H.N. MacKeown on two-over. 

Ballymena's Sean McGarry, Carlow's Jim McVeigh, Portmarnock's Adrian Morrow and Balbriggan's David Brabazon also took advantage of fine morning conditions to post three over 76s.

The breeze picked up for the afternoon starters with the best scoring coming from Clem Walshe and David Dowey, who carded four-over par 77’s to remain within touching distance of the leader.

With bad weather forecast for the final round, the chasing pack will be hoping for the best of the conditions so they can post a score and put pressure on the front runners with all those on three-over or better teeing off in the afternoon.

Scores