Portmarnock’s Conor Purcell secured another Alps Tour start later this week when he tied for fifth behind French amateur Oihan Guillamoundeguy in the Red Sea Little Venice Open in Egypt.

Guillamoundeguy (17) followed rounds of 65 and 64 over the B and C courses at Sokhna Golf Club with a nine-under 63 to win by eight strokes from Spain’s Jorge Maicas on 24-under par.

Scores

It was an incredible performance by Guillamoundeguy, who made three eagles, 20 birdies and two bogeys over 54 holes.

Purcell (24) hit a wedge to two feet at the first to get off to a fast start and picked up five further birdies to add a 66 to a brace of 68s to tie for fifth on 14-under (€1,820), ten strokes behind the winner.

“I’m very happy with the week,” said Purcell, who missed the Alps Tour Q-School due to illness last year but has now finished second and fifth on sponsor’s invitations and will now get a start in next week’s New Giza Open in Cairo thanks to his top 10 finish.

“I knew starting out the week the scoring would be low. I played well and kept patient despite not converting a high percentage of my chances.”

Castleknock’s David Carey (€564) tied for 26th on 10-under after a 68 with Simon Bryan (€476) tied 35th on eight-under after a 70.

Naas’ Jonathan Yates (€420) tied for 40th on six-under after a 70 with Paul McBride (€274) a shot further back in 46th after a 74.