Rosslare's Paul Murphy was grateful to his caddie as he remained in contention to win his card at the Alps Tour Qualifying School in Rome.

Cork’s John Hickey opened with a one-under 71 to lead the Irish challenge in the DP World Tour Qualifying School First Stage qualifier at Mottram Hall in Cheshire.

Roganstown’s teenage sensation Sean Keeling carded a brilliant seven-under 65 to top the qualifiers in Regional Qualifying for The Open at County Louth and keep alive his dream of playing in The 150th Open at St Andrews next month.

Cork professional John Hickey blasted an eagle and four birdies in his first eight holes en route to a four-under 67 and victory in the TaylorMade Winter Series at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links.

Just four Irish players made it through the First Stage of the Alps Tour Qualifying School in Italy.

Kilkenny’s Luke Donnelly made a flying start in his bid for an Alps Tour card when he opened with a five-under 65 to share the lead at the First Stage of the Qualifying School at Miglianico Golf & Country Club in Pescara.

Eleven Irish players will tee it up in the Alps Tour Qualifying School in Italy over the next two weeks.

Ronan Mullarney, Cameron Raymond, Conor O’Rourke and Stuart Grehan earned Category 3 cards at the PGA Europro Tour Q-School supported by Sky Sports in Oxfordshire.

Galway’s Ronan Mullarney added a 68 to his opening 69 to lead a seven-strong Irish posse into the final round of the PGA Europro Tour Q-School at Studley Wood in Oxfordshire.

Seven of Irish golf’s 12-man entry were inside the projected cut mark after the first round of the EuroPro Tour Q-School supported by Sky Sports.

Five Irish players cruised through the first stage of the Europro Tour Q-School supported by Sky Sports.

Four Irish players are in position to progress to the Final Stage of the EuroPro Tour Qualifying School after their opening rounds at three First Stage venues in the UK.

Cork golfer John Hickey clinched his second win in a row in the Flogas Irish Scratch Series at The K Club.

Cork professional John Hickey carded a one-under 71 to win the Flogas Autumn Irish Scratch Series outing at Carton House.