Foley firing while Saxton’s streak continues at Fife Tournament

Robert Foley (Stirling) takes a one stroke lead into the weekend of the 13^th Fife Tournament men’s competition at Fairmont St Andrews after a first round two over par 73 while Jen Saxton’s rich tour form continued with a level par 74 over the Kittock’s course giving her a two stroke lead at the top of the women’s competition.

With high winds and rain lashing down, the first round of the Fife Tournament was very reminiscent of the previous event at The Blairgowrie GC. It was certainly to Saxton’s liking, as a solid one over par front nine was followed by a three-birdie-led one under back nine giving her a level par round for the day. This is the third day in succession that she has led a tour event, after her victory at the Autumn Trophy.

Chasing Jen are Clodagh Walsh (Maynooth) and Chloe Goadby (Stirling) after a 76 and a 77 left them two and three strokes back. Walsh also carded three birdies during her round although wasn’t quite as consistent at Saxton, while Goadby’s round including the only eagle of the day in the whole field.

In the team competition, Saxton’s performance helped Stirling III to a two stroke lead over the Stirling I team, with Maynooth I a further stroke back.

Everything is to play for tomorrow with the top 12 going on to play in the final round on Sunday.

On the men’s side, it was another man in rich form who leads the tournament. Fresh from his victory on American soil last time out, Foley was feeling strong enough to rue his final hole bogey, despite a solid 73 seeing him lead the field.

Ronan Mullarney (Maynooth) demonstrated a consistent touch, one birdie and four bogeys giving him a three over 74, matched by a more up and down round by George Burns (St. Andrews) that featured three birdies on the way to a two under front nine, but a run of four bogeys from 14-17 on the way back. With six players within two strokes of the lead, the tournament is set for an intriguing second day at the top, while further down the leaderboard there will be a tussle to make the top 30 and the right to play the final round on Sunday.

In the team event, St Andrews I have picked up where they left off at The Blairgowrie GC, leading by three from Exeter, who are three ahead of Maynooth.

For full leaderboard and tee times please see HERE.