Paul McBride leads Open Championship regional qualifying at The Island
Paul McBride used local knowledge and showcased his shot-making in difficult windy conditions to top the regional qualifying for The Open at The Island, carding a three-under-par 69 to move on to next week's final qualifying in his bid to earn an exemption into next month's Major at Royal Portrush.
The Malahide man – a former college team-mate of Will Zalatoris and Cameron Young at Wake Forest – reaffirmed his pedigree in delivering the low round of the qualifier, one of just six players to post under-par rounds. McBride is currently plying his trade on the development Clutch Pro Tour but moved a step closer to a place in the 153rd Open.
One of 15 courses in Britain and Ireland to host regional qualifying, The Island proved a tough examination, with McBride's 69 seeing him finish a shot clear of Cloverhill's Keith Shannon (70). A quartet of players – Rowan Lester, Ronan Mullarney, Brendan McCarroll and English amateur Finlay Eager – posted 71s to also earn their spots for final qualifying, which take place at four venues (Burnham & Berrow, Dundonald Links, Royal Cinque Ports and West Lancashire) on July 1st.
Ruaidhrí McGee and Finland's Alex Hietala signed for 73s which were also good enough to progress.
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Among those who failed to progress out of regional qualifying were former English Premier League footballers Jimmy Bullard and Peter Odemwingie. Bullard shot a three-over 74 at Rochester & Cobham Park while Odemwingie signed for an 82 at Enville in England.
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