France
The first edition of the European Mid-amateur team championships started in brutal playing conditions in the French Basque Country.
First out in the morning was the men’s competition, which only recorded one score under par for the day.
Ireland’s Paul Coughlan was off to a hot start, with five birdies through 7 holes. But he had to grind on the back 9, still shooting a 1-under 69.
His performance helped Ireland grab first place in the team standings at +4, two shots clear of Germany. The Germans could rely on the day’s second best individual score, an even-par 70 by Stefan Wiedergrün.
This week’s host team France holds third place at +10, leading fourth place Spain by only one shot.
The ladies were unfortunate enough to meet even tougher conditions in the afternoon. Yet again, an Irish player shot the best score, a two-over 72 from Shannon Burke. She too was able to carry her squad to the top of the leaderboard, two shots clear of Germany.
Maria Anetseder was able to sign a 4-over 74 despite loads of rainfall during her round.
As in the men’s tournament, third and fourth place belong to France and Spain. But this time, the Spaniards lead the home team by one shot. All the players in both championships will go out again on Thursday, with every team trying to qualify for the semi-finals by reaching the top 4.
