Such is the level of amateur golf these days that not even squally showers and westerly whipping over 25 mph could stop 42 players from firing sub-par scores in the opening round of the Pierse Motors-sponsored 122nd South of Ireland Amateur Open at Lahinch.

Galway’s Liam Nolan is looking forward to battling close friend and fellow Walker Cup star Matt McClean this weekend after they snatched the halfway lead in the Flogas Irish Men’s Amateur Open Championship at Co Sligo.

Just four Munster men were left standing as a southwest wind gusting over 35mph proved the difference maker on the opening day of matchplay combat in the 121st South of Ireland Championship at Lahinch.