The spectacular Ballybunion Golf Club, Ireland, provided perfect playing conditions for the first day of the 2017 Jacques Léglise Trophy, with bright sunshine and light breezes.
After the Continent of Europe opened a narrow lead in the first session of foursomes, the afternoon singles were closely fought with each team having its moments of positive momentum.
Luke Harries defeated Rasmus Hojgaard 5&3 in the first match but Eduard Rousaud Sabate quickly responded for the Continent of Europe with a 6&5 win over Robin Williams. The second match was the only one finishing on hole 18 with Benjamin Jones’ two holes’ success for Great Britain and Ireland over David Nyfjall.
Darren Howie and Alex Fitzpatrick added two units to the home side’s credit with wins respectively by 4&2 over Markus Braadlie and 4&3 over Alejandro Aguilera Martin. Falko Hanisch continued to show his great form. He was five under par after 14 holes when he sealed his victory over Mark Power. Adrien Dumont de Chassart and Pedro Lencart Silva claimed the last two points for the Continent on the same 2&1 mark. The Belgian defeated Charlie Strickland while the reigning Boys’ Amateur Champion overcame Toby Briggs.
In the end, the afternoon session was halved with 4 matches a side and the Continent of Europe retained its one-point advantage.
The starting times for the second day have been moved forward (07:30 AM) in order to avoid as much of the bad weather forecasted for the afternoon as possible.