CARTERSVILLE (Ga.) – Ireland takes care of business at the Golfweek International Senior Invitational, held at Cartersville Country Club.
Joe Lyons and his team have made a quick start, taking an early lead of three strokes over the rest of the field. Lyons was the main force in this round, shooting a 7 under 65.
Lyons said to Golfweek that it was “a very special day” for him. The last week, we’ve enjoyed Southern hospitality. Last week we played some fantastic golf on some cool golf courses, and got used to playing Bermuda [grass ].”.
Lyons’ preparation paid off, as he barely missed a single fairway on the day. The Irishman finished the round in 2 under par, with only one bogey of the day on the 8th par-4 hole. Lyons was on fire when he returned, birdieing six of the final nine holes.
Lyons was delighted with his day today. “I’m a golf amateur, and I shot 65 today. I could easily score 80 tomorrow, so I will just try to enjoy the day today and see what happens tomorrow .”
Karl Bornemann, the team captain (T-24), helped Lyons to build Ireland’s advantage with a 2-over score of 74. John Reynolds (T-44) completes the trio and will be looking to improve on his opening score of 76 in Friday’s second round.
Michael Hughett’s (68) and Jon Valuck’s (74) scores have helped Oklahoma to a solo second-place finish at 2 under. Ricky Bell’s score of 74 matched Valuck, giving the Sooner State natives some momentum going into tomorrow.
The third-placed team is a tie between Team Michigan, South Carolina, and California at 1 below par.
There are several players who want to take down Lyons on the individual side.
Shane McMillan of Utah recovered well from a bogey early on to post a five-under 67. Michael Hughett, from Oklahoma, played 11 holes without a single bogey to post a 4-under-68. Jerry Gunthorpe of Michigan had a mixed day on his way to a 2-under-par start.
There are nine players with a par score of, and four more golfers who are tied at 1 under.
As Lyons said, amateur golf is unpredictable, so the title will remain in the air, until the final round. If Lyons and his team have anything to do with it, closing ceremonies and trophy presentations will be accompanied by sweet sounds of Amhran Na Bhfiann, the Irish national song.
