Ryan Griffin tops South of Ireland Amateur Open qualifying

Ballybofey & Stranorlar golfer Ryan Griffin finished the stroke play qualifying with a four-shot lead over the field as the Pierse Motors Volkswagen South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship field was whittled down in Lahinch.

Despite having faced into the most difficult conditions throughout Wednesday and Thursday, the 24-year-old Maynooth University star backed up his opening 66 with another quality round of 71.

Griffin finished on -7, ahead of Patrick Adler (North Shore, USA) and Quentin Carew (Castleknock), and says his scintillating form has been helped by his Arnold Palmer Cup appearance here just three weeks ago.

“We have definitely played it a good few times, ten or 15 times in the last few weeks,” said Griffin.

“You see where you can hit it and where you can’t hit it. Whenever some of the pins might be tucked, you know where to miss it or you know where to hit it on the green.

“Absolutely, all that knowledge helps.”

The cut fell at +6 at the end of the second round with 64 players making it through to the match play stages but only ten of those remained under par by Thursday evening.

That included former AIG Irish Men’s Amateur Close champion, Carew, while reigning South of Ireland champion Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint) finished up on level par.

Jack McDonnell (Royal Dublin) was +2 alongside Paul Coughlan (Castleknock), 2022 winner Hugh Foley (Royal Dublin) is one shot further in arrears.

Jack Hearn (Tramore) and TJ Ford (County Sligo) also made the cut but it was Griffin who set the pace after the stroke play.

“The last few leadings qualifiers were knocked out in the first stage so hopefully we can diminish that reputation,” said Griffin.

“I’m delighted with how things went the last few days. And just go and do something somewhere tomorrow get a few birdies and tick along.”