Hurley heads Irish challenge as Alps Tour touches down in Italy

Alps Tour — West Waterford’s Gary Hurley headed the Irish challenge in the weather-delayed Winter Series at Terre dei Consoli Golf Club.

Play was delayed by two hours because of fog and Hurley was one of 66 players unable to complete their opening rounds.
The former Walker Cup star was four-under through 14 holes, just one stroke behind Spaniard Manuel Elvira, Italian Stefano Mazzoli (winner of last month’s Ein Bay Open), Frenchman Pierre Pineau and his compatriots Benjamin Kedochim and Adrien Pendaries, who all shot five-under 67s.

Hurley was tied for sixth with Portmarnock’s Conor Purcell tied 22nd after he followed a one-over-par front nine three birdies on the way home to sign for a two-under 70.

Naas’ Jonathan Yates made seven birdies but posted a 71 after running up a triple-bogey at the 12th (his third), a bogey at the par-three third (the toughest hole on the course yesterday) and a double-bogey five at the ninth (his 18th) to share 38th.

David Carey made two early birdies but was level par with five holes to complete and tied 55th  with Paul McBride 71st after mixing three birdies with four bogeys in a one-over 73.

McBride was tied with Kilkenny’s Luke Donnelly, who also made two birdies and three bogeys at the Robert Trent Jones design.

Michael Young was tied 100th after a 75 with Simon Bryan 128th after a 78.