Malone’s Matthew McClean carded an eagle and three birdies in a five-under 66 to share the first-round lead in the Brabazon Trophy at Sherwood Forest Golf Club in Nottinghamshire.

The Irish international was tied at the top with Canterbury’s Joshua Bristow and France’s David Ravetto, one clear of Switzerland’s Mauro Gilardi, Notts’ Jordan Boulton. Germany’s Frederik Shott, Naestved Golf Club’s Christoffer Bring and Walton Heath’s Enrique Dimayuga.

Kilkenny’s Mark Power and Holywood’s Tom McKibbin were a shot further back on three-under after 68’s with Royal Dublin’s Hugh Foley well placed after a 69.

Scores

Foley was tied with Castle’s Robert Moran, who finished second in the Mullingar Scratch Cup on Sunday.

Carton House’s Marc Boucher (73) and Saint Nom la Breteche’s Michael Young (74) also made the trip, which was not recommended by the GUI.

On 6 August, the GUI recommended that players from the Republic of Ireland withdraw from events such as the Brabazon Trophy following the Irish Government’s decision on 4 August to continue with the current public health measures and the advice against non-essential travel overseas.