With so many fine home grown players in the field at the Irish Open at Fota Island Resort, it’s no real surprise to see two Irishmen up there on the leader board.
Three-time Major Champion and former Irish Open winner Padraig Harrington has plenty of pedigree – and the Dubliner looked solid in his round of 69.
However, while many would’ve expected the likes of Rory McIlroy to be contending alongside the experienced Harrington, it’s amateur Gavin Moynihan who is in the red numbers.
And it appears the 19 year old, who became the youngest Irish Walker Cup player since Rory McIlroy last year, isn’t in County Cork to make up the numbers.
“The goal’s to make the weekend - I would love to get in and make the cut,” said Moynihan, the 2013 Irish Amateur champion. “If I shoot a decent round tomorrow, hopefully I can make it. But some of the pins are tough out there, so I am really happy with the 2-under start.”
Harrington achieved success in his national championship when he triumphed at the Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort back in 2007, the same year he also picked up one of his Major victories.
Although the 42 year old felt his iron play let him down, a closing birdie perked the popular 14-time European Tour winner up.
“I felt a bit frustrated out there that I didn't really hit anything too close, so it was nice to hole the one on the last. It's always nice to birdie your last hole before lunch.”
With two Irishmen at the right end of the leader board, there will certainly be no shortage of support for both Harrington and Moynihan on Friday.
