<p>Hugh Foley. Picture: Alps Tour</p>
Rookie Sam Murphy joined Hugh Foley and Robert Moran in making a strong start to the new Alps Tour season at the Ein Bay Open in Egypt.
Royal Dublin man Foley birdied his last two holes on the A&B Course at Sokhna in Suez to open with a four-under 68 that left him just a shot behind French pace-setters Antoine Auboin and Victor Veyret.
Moran also had an adventurous day, making six birdies — including three in his last four holes — in a three-under 69 to share seventh place with Portumna man Murphy.
Like Foley, the former Irish Boys champion birdied the 17th and 18th to shoot 69 on his debut and like Moran, he also made six birdies.
Cathal MacCanna looked on course for a decent start when he reached three under through 10 holes. But he made three bogeys and two double-bogeys in a five-hole stretch before fighting back with two late birdies for a 74 that left him tied for 71st on two over.
Auboin and Veyret shot five under 67s to lead by a shot from Foley, Austria’s Lenny Koch, France’s Arthur Ameil-Planchin and Italy’s Davide Buchi.
“I’m very happy,” Auburn said. “It’s really been a month and a half since I’ve been able to fully get back to practising. I had a bit of apprehension, but in the end, the game is still there.
“I was able to stay patient and enjoy myself from start to finish. I really tried to hit as many fairways and as many greens as possible. And that’s what I managed to do.’
Veyret said: “It was a good round. Bogey-free is always a very nice feeling, to finish like that. I managed the par fives well today, with one birdie and one eagle.
“I worked hard this winter. I’m working with a new coach, so to see that my game is in better shape than last year is a good feeling.”
Article Link: Positive start for Irish in Alps Tour opener in Egypt - News - Irish Golf Desk