Greene refuses to wilt in Madrid heat
John Greene. Picture: Pat Cashman
Portmarnock's John Greene was the lone Irish survivor in the European Mid-Amateur Championship as sweltering temperatures took their toll at Real Club de Puerta de Hierro in Madrid.
The Carlow native shot a second successive 79 at the Tom Simpson and Harry Colt designed Upper Course on Friday, making the 15-over par cut for the top 60 and ties with a stroke to spare.
Muskerry's David O'Donovan added an 80 to his opening 82 but missed out by just two shots
O'Donovan's clubman Niall Gorey was forced to withdraw midway through the first round with heat exhaustion as temperatures soared to 36C (97F).
Puerta de Hierro's Bernardo Campos (71-75) leads by a shot on two-over par from compatriot Santiago Vega de Seoane (75-72) with Swiss-based Australian Richard Heath, Sweden's Erik Persson, Alejandro Larrazabal and Oskar Jonzon tied for fourth on four-over.
