Borja Virto and Jamie Rutherford posted a pair of six under par rounds of 65 to share a one-shot lead after the opening day of the Irish Challenge at Headfort Golf Club.
Spaniard Virto made a slow start to day one as he opened with a bogey but bounced back with five birdies and an eagle to take the clubhouse lead, before Englishman Rutherford carded eight birdies and two bogeys to join him at the top of the leaderboard.
The duo lead by one ahead of Swede Rikard Karlberg, home favourite Conor Purcell, Frenchman Frederic Lacroix and Scotland’s Ryan Lumsden who share third place.
Virto, a two-time European Challenge Tour winner, made the perfect start in Co. Meath as he looks to return to the winner’s circle for the first time in eight years.
“It was a really good day,” he said. “I started slowly with a bogey on the tenth but then I started to find my game.
“I made a couple of birdies early on then I had a really good finish to my round. I hit some great shots and managed to save par when I was out of position. I’m really pleased with a six under par.
“I hit a really nice driver on the par-five sixth hole to the middle of the fairway and I had about 215 metres to the hole. There was a bit of wind off the right, so I decided to hit a nice punchy hybrid which went a bit long into the right bunker. I made a really nice bunker shot for eagle which was great.”
Rutherford has been in impressive form on the Road to Mallorca with four top eleven finishes in his last seven starts, and he was pleased to keep the momentum going with another low round in Ireland.
“I’m very pleased with my round,” he said. “I hit the ball really well and controlled my flight in the wind. I drove the ball great which is going to be key round here with the thick rough.
“The putter got quite hot towards the end which has to happen if you want to post a low score and make some birdies.
“I’ve been playing pretty steady for most of the season, and I’ve had some decent finishes. If I can keep up my form and continue to drive the ball like I did today, then I should be in a great position at the end of the week.”
American Jordan Gumberg, who secured his place at the Irish Challenge through the Monday Qualifier, posted a four under par round of 67 to move into seventh place with seven others, including Northern Irishman Dermot McElroy.
The second round of the Irish Challenge will get under way at 7:30am local time, with Rutherford teeing it up at 8:30am and Virto at 2:20pm.
