Nenagh's Reddan in contention at Irish Men’s Amateur Open Golf Championship

England youngster Harley Smith tied the amateur course record as he raced into the lead on day one of the Flogas Irish Men’s Amateur Open Championship at The Island.

It was a stunning round of 67 for a -5 total from the 18-year-old Essex man, and even though he played his part in the difficult half of the draw he still took a one-shot overnight lead ahead of Scotland’s Ross Laird.

The weather improved dramatically in the afternoon and there were perfect conditions for a star-studded field which included ten of the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup squad.

The Irish were well represented on the leaderboard too with Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk) carding a -3 round of 69, he ended up third in the standings.

Elsewhere, Keith Egan (Carton House) and Paul Coughlan (Castleknock) also finished inside the top four (70). But Laird (Glenbervie) is the closest challenger to Smith, while the Walker Cup squad member took advantage of his quick start to claim top spot.

Rayleigh clubman Smith was outstanding on the front nine and eventually finished the day with six birdies. He was -3 after just six holes and closed his round with a pair of birdies to take the clubhouse lead early on Thursday.

Laird is on -4 and the Irish will be looking to make even more of an impression tomorrow with Robert Brazill (Naas), Alex Maguire (Laytown & Bettystown), David Reddan (Nenagh) and Conor Murtagh (The Island) also under par, and four shots behind Smith.