Noel Fox of Portmarnock is the leading Irish player after round one of the Marfin Popular Bank Europro Tour Championship on Thursday at Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus with a round of 68 to hold a three way share of fifth place.
Fox trails the three joint leaders - Nicky Harris, Jeremy Kavanagh and James Hepworth of England - by two shots after they carded rounds of 66 to set the pace at 4 under – one shot ahead of fellow Englishman Daniel Perret in third place.
Brian McElhinney of Team Ireland is one under after a round of 69 and is joined by Brendan McCarroll of JFG Academie.
Gareth Shaw of Team Ireland cared a 71 for a round of one over par.
Tim Rice signed for a round of 73 to finish day one on 3 over par along with Neil O’Briain.
Michael Collins of FORE Ireland finished the day with a 75 to remain +5.
Paul O’Hanlon of the Curragh ended the first day 7 over after an opening round of 77.
Mick Collins explained afterwards;
"Today was the first round of the Tour Championship at the stunning Aphrodite hills in Cyprus."
"A 5 over 75 was not part of the plan but after my 2nd hole (11th) it was always going to be an uphill battle. A pulled tee shot headed into the bushes left of the fairway. My efforts to find the ball were made more difficult than normal as the bushes are quite dense."
"There is also the small factor of these bushes being the main hang out areas for the local snakes!!
"I did have a look but I refrained from shoving my head in too far. The result was a lost ball and a treble bogey 7."
"I played ok from there but struggled to hole anything on these tricky greens. However, tomorrow is a new day and I just have to be as positive as I can and get off to a quick start and go from there."
"I did have a look but I refrained from shoving my head in too far. The result was a lost ball and a treble bogey 7."
"I played ok from there but struggled to hole anything on these tricky greens. However, tomorrow is a new day and I just have to be as positive as I can and get off to a quick start and go from there."
"I was happy enough with the way I dealt with the heat today. It's not called Aphrodite Hills for no reason and in the pro am yesterday we were in buggies. Today we were walking and in 35 degrees of heat and no wind until the last few holes, it was scorchio!"
"The good news from the locals is that it is going to get even hotter over the next few days so staying hydrated is going to be the key to getting the job done."
