Paul O'Hara's birdie-eagle finish has him sharing lead on 69 in PGA pros' championship

By COLIN FARQUHARSON

Paul O'Hara, a prolific winner on the Tartan Tour this season, could be on his way to his biggest victory yet as a pro.

A grandstand birdie 3 - eagle 2 finish for a three-under-par 69 has the North Lanarkshire Leisure man sharing the overnight lead with Jon Bevan (Sherborne) in the PGA Professional Championship at Luttrellstown Castle Golf and Country Club, near Dublin.

A second Scot in the mix is Chris Currie (Caldwell). He is in joint third place with a 70 which included a bag of five birdies.

Fraser Mann (Carnoustie Links) is sharing 11th place in a big field after a 72.

 

PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Luttrellstown Castle Golf and Country Club, nr Dublin.

LEADING FIRST ROUND SCORES

par 72

69 J Bevan (Sherborne), P O'Hara (North Lanarkshire Leisure).

70 C Gane (Silvermere, A Wootton (Oxford), C Currie (Caldwell), A Turner (Knaresbrough), P Hendriksen (Ivybridge).

OTHER SCOTS' SCORES

72 F Mann (Carnoustie Links) (T11)

74 I Campbell (Cheshunt Park) (T33)

76 A Mackenzie (Saunton), A Welsh (Cathkin Braes) (T56)

77 M Patterson (Kilmacolm)

83 R Harrower (Boat of Garten) (T121).

84 G McSporran (Kinross), J Sharp (Carrick on Loch Lomond) (T129).

Did not finish: A Cooper (Newburgh on Ythan).