Lawrie leads the way at OFX Legends in Seapoint

The first round of the OFX Irish Legends event at Seapoint Golf Links took place in favorable conditions on Thursday and continues today.

Clear skies and light winds allowed the players to make the most of the chances they created, with a low-scoring day.

Last week’s tournament host, Paul Lawrie, enjoyed the links test on a light wind day. The 1999 Open Champion took the turn at 2 under par before making back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes.

He would make four more birdies on the back nine, with just one drop shot on the way back as he signed for a round of 67 (-5) and the early lead in the clubhouse.

“I played well and had a lot of good shots. To be honest, I left a few behind, but it’s still a good score,” he said.

“If you play links golf and there is a bit of wind and the ground is firm, it is difficult to get the ball exactly pin high.”

He shares that lead with his playing partner Patrik Sjöland – the 2023 Legends Tour Rookie of the Year. The Swede also enjoyed a round of seven birdies and just two bogeys as the former Irish Open winner on the DP World Tour got off to a strong start .

“I played a little up and down today. I played some great shots and some really ugly ones, but I managed to miss in all the right places. I’m very pleased today with a 67 on a links course. I hit some nice up and downs today with my seven wood from the pockets around the greens.

“I know I played well here last year, and of course I want to play well this year too. It would be nice to win here and then have a double Irish Open. We’ll see – I’m happy with my start and we still have two days to go.”

Angel Cabrera won his first Legends Tour title at Hanbury Manor last weekend as he claimed the Paul Lawrie Match Play presented by Petsure. After his opening round in Ireland, he is just one shot behind last week’s host.

The two-time Major winner was 1 under par on the turn, but played the back nine in 33 shots and finished his first round with a 68.

South African Keith Horne is also at -4 (68) after a flying start, two birdies and an eagle midway through his round, before hitting an even-par second nine.

A total of 19 players are within four shots of the lead after the opening day, including defending champion Peter Baker, who shot a 3-under par round of 69.
The second round starts on Friday at 8.30am at Seapoint Golf Links, with the leaders (Lawrie & Sjöland) leaving at 10.50am.

OFX is sponsoring the tournament for the first time this year, and Maeve McMahon, CEO and board member at the FAI, played alongside Niall Quinn in the Pro-Am earlier this week.

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