Eugene goes far in the East of Ireland

THE growing international interest in the East of Ireland Championship was reflected in the results as hopes of a first County Louth winner since 1985 were dashed on bank holiday Monday.

At 17, South African Christo Lamprecht became the youngest ever winner of the d Hotel-sponsored tournament - and the first international player - in blazing sunshine at Baltray when carding rounds of 66, 68, 69 and 71 to finish on 14-under par, two shots ahead of Kilkenny’s Mark Power.

Long-time contender Caolan Rafferty could only manage a 73 and finished in a tie for third, with two other South Africans, an Argentinian and an Icelandic golfer also featuring in the top 20.

Laytown & Bettystown’s Eugene Smith finished best of the locals in a tie for 25th after following an excellent opening 68 with rounds of 76, 70 and 71 for a three-under par 285.

Padhraic O’Brien (-1) led the host club charge in 30th, one place ahead of fellow clubman Gerard Dunne (+1), with David Foy 34th on +4.

Gareth Bohill (Co Louth) and Alex Maguire of Laytown & Bettystown both narrowly missed the 36-hole cut along with Evan Farrell of Ardee.

Picture: Jimmy Weldon East of Ireland Amateur Open spectators Vic and Genevieve Atkinson get their hands on the winner’s trophy.

Picture: Colin Bell Eugene Smith (Laytown & Bettystown) plays a shot during his first round at the East of Ireland Championship.