Patrick Curran laid down an early claim for the Irish Intervarsity Championship throne by shooting a four-under-par 66 to take a three-stroke lead at Kirkistown Castle.
The National College of Ireland student has already proven that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the intercollegiate scene by taking the first of the R&A Student Series titles with an impressive performance at Halmstad Golf Club in Sweden, and he came roaring out of the traps at the County Down venue, eagling the par-5 opener and adding further birdies on three and four to cover the opening four holes in four-under.
From there, he slipped back to -2 with bogeys on seven and 12, but two birdies over the closing five – including one at the last – give him a three-stroke overnight lead from Calum Duane of Maynooth and DCU’s Cal Duggan.
Ulster University’s Harry Keag and Rees Dowling of Trinity College join Maynooth duo, Cian Harkin and Morgan O’Sullivan in a share of fourth place at level-par, with a further seven players tied for eighth at +1.
Duggan’s 69, combined with Kevin Gormley’s 72 give DCU’s first team the lead in the Team Championship at +1 overall, with fellow college mates Robert Burns and Sebastian Broderick each shooting one-over to give DCU2 a share of second along with Ulster University.
FULL SCORING
