<p>Barry McMenamin (Ballybofey and Stranorlar) and Harry O’Hara (Clandeboye). Photo: INPHO | Ryan Byrne & Tom O’Hanlon</p>
Barry McMenamin set the early pace on Saturday morning as a superb four-under-par 66 saw the Donegal teenager move into a share of the lead at the Flogas Irish Boys’ Amateur Open Championship at Malone Golf Club.
The Ballybofey and Stranorlar golfer began his championship with a two-over-par 72 on Friday, but as the second player off the first tee at 8.00am, he made full use of the calm morning conditions to move himself firmly into contention.
“It was nice to be off first thing this morning,” said McMenamin.
“Getting up early was a bit of a pain, but I made a few nice putts. I chipped in a few times as well, some of them were lucky and they were good chips, the other ones.”
“I was holding on down the back nine a little bit. A few tough holes out there but I was pretty happy with how I played. I hit it very well off the tee so wasn’t out of position too many times.”
Starting the day at two-over-par, McMenamin quickly moved back to level par after an eagle on the par-five second set the tone for his round.
Three birdies would follow at the sixth, eighth and ninth holes, before he added his fourth of the day at the 10th, bouncing back after a costly error on the same hole in round one.
“Yesterday I made a very big mistake on the 10th, I played the wrong ball so that was a two-shot penalty,” said McMenamin.
“I was playing quite well, that was just a bit of a kick.”
McMenamin dropped just two shots across his round, with the second of his two bogeys coming at the 12th. The 18-year-old responded well however, playing his final six holes in level par to set the clubhouse target.
Overnight leader Harry O’Hara (Clandeboye) found conditions more testing in the afternoon but produced a strong finish to ensure he and McMenamin share top spot heading into the final round.
O’Hara, who opened with a four-under-par 66 of his own on Friday, carded bogeys at the third, sixth, 12th and 13th, but the recently turned 17-year-old responded with birdies at the 14th and 17th to keep him firmly in contention.
“It was good fun. I played pretty solid. I didn’t play as well as yesterday but the course tested me and I hung in there. I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” said O’Hara.
“I stayed patient. A strong enough finish leaves me in a good position for tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it. It should be fun.”
O’Hara will join McMenamin in the final group on Sunday alongside Luke Furlong (Wexford), who remains within touching distance after signing for a level par round of 70, highlighted by two birdies across his closing four holes.
With one round remaining, McMenamin has given himself a strong opportunity to claim silverware, although preparations for Sunday may not be limited to just golf.
“Plenty of time to do that and a bit of study maybe as well. Leaving cert coming up pretty soon but yes, happy with my round.”
The final round is set to get underway at 9.00am with the leading group teeing off at 12.07pm
Flogas Irish Boys’ Amateur Open Championship scoring
Article Link: McMenamin and O’Hara tied at the top in Malone - News - Irish Golf Desk