Maynooth University's Ronan Mullarney opened with a two-over 72 to share 20th place after the opening round of the 54-hole Patriot All-America Invitational in Arizona.

The reigning Irish Student champion from Galway (23) made two bogeys and 16 pars at The Wigwam at Litchfield to trail leaders Isaiah Jackson (University of Memphis) and defending champion Mason Overstreet (University of Arkansas) by five strokes.

Mullarney's fellow international and Maynooth University teammate, Caolan Rafferty, started double-bogey, bogey but eventually signed for a four-over 74 alongside Jackson that leaves him tied for 40th in the 83-man field.

Jackson and Overstreet carded three-under par 67's to lead by one stroke from Alex Scott from Grand Valley State University with Jordan Hahn (University of Wisconsin - Madison), Joshua McCarthy (Pepperdine University), Taylor Werbylo (University of Arizona) and Jackson Suber (University of Mississippi) tied for fourth after one-under 69's.

Royal Portrush’s Peter Kerr, playing out of the University of St Andrews, shot a 79 to share 75th.

First played in 2011, the Patriot All-America Invitational features some the best players from every NCAA division plus special invitees.

Throughout the 54-hole championship, each participant honours a fallen or severely injured US soldier by carrying a bag bearing the name of that individual.

Scores