Richard O’Donovan at Royal Dublin last month. Picture: Eoin Clarke www.golffile.ieRichard O’Donovan is hoping to put four solid rounds together and give his Walker Cup hopes a boost after an opening 68 left him just two shots behind England’s Nathan Kimsey in the Scottish Amateur Open Strokeplay at Southerness.

Knock’s Nicky Grant was fifth at Royal Dublin on his last appearance two years ago. Picture: Pat Cashman Ireland’s Walker Cup hopefuls are bracing themselves for brutal weather conditions when they tee off in the Irish Amateur Open at windswept Royal Dublin today.