Waterford Golf Club member Eanna Griffin looks set to easily progress to the knockout stages of The Amateur Championship. In what was a testing opening day where the wind played its part, Griffin shot a one-over par 73 to lead the Irish challenge going into the second day. Griffin followed up his first round score to post a solid one-under par on the second day to leave him lying level par for the tournament.
He's currently in a tie for 14th place.
This year’s event is being co-hosted by Portmarnock Golf Club, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year and The Island Golf Club. It is only the second time The Amateur Championship has been hosted outside Britain, with Portmarnock previously staging the event in 1949.
This year’s 288 player field is regarded as the strongest of the modern era. At close of entries, three players sat inside the top 10 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking and 17 inside the top 50. In total, there are competitors from 37 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, India, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Africa and the United States of America.
The top 64 players and ties after the first two rounds will advance to the match play stage at Portmarnock from tomorrow to Saturday. Each match will consist of one round of 18 holes, with the Final being played over 36 holes.
It is the first time Griffin has taken part in The Amateur Championship and although the final cut will not be known until later this evening he looks certain to progress to the final knockout stages.
