Irish flag flying high in Celadná

Ireland featured strongly as the earlier starters began heading home in Thursday’s first round of the Czech Open.
Ireland were featuring strongly as the early-morning starters began heading down the closing stretch in Thursday’s first round of the Czech Open.
Ireland’s Peter Lawrie topped the leaderboard at 5-under with just three holes to play at the Prosper Golf Resort’s Old Course, situated in the picturesque village of Celadná which lies in the heart of the Beskydy Mountains.
And fellow countrymen Damien McGrane and Shane Lowry were tied for second, a shot back on 4-under, with Spaniard Jose Mauel Lara and India’s Jeev Milkha Singh.
McGrane had played 17 holes, Lara 16 and Lowery and Singh 14.
The 34-year-old Lara, joined briefly at the top when he was at 3-under by England’s battling Nick Dougherty, led for most of the morning, and posted five birdies and an eagle at the long 5th hole, but had also lost three shots at the 7th and 12th and 16th holes when his roller coaster ride reached the 16th tee box.
Lawrie, on the other hand, was rock solid and had fired five birdies without losing a shot as he arrived at the 8th, his 17th, having teed off on the 10th.
Dougherty, a three time winner on the European Tour, has not made the cut in his 20 starts this year, but there were signs that he was maybe starting to see the light again when he fired three birdies on his front nine to join Lara in the lead.
It didn’t last. Two bogeys dropped him back down the leaderboard to 17th, but he hung on after that to finish with a 1-under 71 that should keep him in contention.
Latest
-
PGA Tour
Justin Rose wins AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to claim first title since 2019
Monday’s resumption saw the 42-year-old make birdies on the 11th, 13th and 14th en route to a 66.
-
PGA Tour
Daniel Gavins survives final-hole drama to win Ras Al Khaimah Championship
The Englishman held his nerve to hole for a double-bogey seven on the 18th and clinch a one-shot victory.
-
PGA Tour
Gareth Bale admits to nerves on debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am
The 33-year-old, who announced his retirement from football last month, is a two-handicapper.
-
PGA Tour
Jordan Spieth wants Pebble Beach to become one of PGA Tour’s elevated events
The PGA Tour’s top players have committed to playing against each other at least 20 times a year.
-
PGA Tour
G4D Open is ‘great news’ for golfers with disabilities – Brendan Lawlor
Up to 80 players will contest the inaugural event in May.
-
PGA Tour
It’s been a battle – Rory McIlroy delighted to pip rival Patrick Reed in Dubai
The Northern Irishman birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish a shot ahead of Reed on 19 under par.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy holds off rival Patrick Reed with birdie on 18 to seal Dubai win
McIlroy birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish 19 under par.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy leads by three in bid to win his third Dubai Desert Classic title
England’s Callum Shinkwin and Dan Bradbury are McIlroy’s closest challengers heading into the final round.
-
LPGA Tour
Golf bid to increase diversity in sport improving but still has ‘long way to go’
Nicola Bennett is an ambassador for the Golf Foundation, helping to drive grassroots campaigns.
-
PGA Tour
Richard Bland boasts share of lead at halfway stage in Dubai Desert Classic
The 49-year-old returned to complete his second round on Saturday morning, carding three more birdies and a solitary bogey in his remaining 14 holes.