Peter Lawrie hits off the 15th at Verdura Golf and Spa Resort. Photo Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.iePeter Lawrie rebounded spectacularly from a devastating second round meltdown in Morocco last week to grab the first round lead in the Sicilian Open with an eight under 64.

Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily Mark Murphy took advantage of one of the prizes he claimed with his Big Break win by putting on a fine performance last week’s Hassan Trophy.

But while the Waterville player was desperate to clinch another sponsor’s invitation for this week’s Sicilian Open, it’s Killkenny’s Gary Murphy who comes out of retirement to tee it up at Ventura Golf and Spa Resort.

Raphael Jacquelin triumphed in Sicily. Picture Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.iePeter Lawrie finished tied for 26th as France’s Raphael Jacquelin ended a four-year wait for his third European Tour title with a narrow victory in the weather-delayed Sicilian Open.

Peter Lawrie made a significant move up the leaderboard when he carded a five under par 66 in the third round of the Sicilian Open.

Damien McGrane in action in Dubai earlier this year - Picture Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ieGareth Maybin shot 79 and missed the cut in the Sicilian Open. So did Shane Lowry.

Gareth Maybin in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. Picture Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ieGareth Maybin opened with a Faldo-esque 18 pars in a row in the inaugural Sicilian Open.

Shane Lowry has been given the thumbs up by doctors to return to action after what will end up being a 119-day absence from the tour.