Ireland chasing gold in Estonia

Ireland face defending champion Italy in the semi-finals of the European Men’s Amateur Team Championships following an impressive 3.5-1.5 quarter-final win over England in Estonia.

Fota Island’s John Doyle hit a 280-yard three-wood to a foot on the 18th to beat Harley Smith 1-up and claim the decisive point as he looks to impress the Walker Cup selectors.

“John hit probably the best shot I have ever seen to win a match,” said Irish captain Damien Coyne.

The winners of the Ireland-England clash will face France or Estonia in the final.

In the European Ladies’ Amateur Team Championships, hosts Ireland lost 6.5-0.5 to holders Spain at PGA National Slieve Russell and must beat Sweden if they’re to face Italy or Denmark for fifth place.

“We are disappointed,” said non-playing captain Gillian O’Leary. “It was a good battle all day; the Spanish are just really strong.

“It's not a bad thing to be disappointed. That's how you learn. That's how you raise the standards for the next time that we go out.”

Spain now face Finland as France meet England in the other semi-final.

At the European Girls’ in Zurich, Ireland beat Slovakia 4-1 in the quarters in Flight B while in the Boys Div 2 championship in Greece, Ireland remained on course for promotion with a 6-1 win over Slovakia.