Portmarnock’s Conor Purcell hit route 66 to lead the Radisson Blu-sponsored West of Ireland Championship by a shot at Co Sligo. The 21-year old raced home in five-under 30 to lead the first strokeplay staging of the “West” by one stroke from 17-year-old Boys international Max Kennedy from Royal Dublin. “It’s a good start,” said Purcell, who turned in level-par after following birdies at the second and fifth, with bogeys at the sixth and eighth. McIlroy ended a run of near misses to win the prestigious Florida tournament by one stroke — his first title for a year. “I think that (Players Championship victory) was huge,” said Strange, who the two-time US Open champion, who is now working for broadcaster ESPN at the Masters.

Source: Irish Examiner April 05, 2019 03:22 UTC