Rafferty takes his shot at history

Grand Slam chasing Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk) believes Portstewart will provide the ideal test as he looks to make history and win the North of Ireland Amateur Open Championship tomorrow.

The Dundalk golfer was finally crowned East of Ireland champion last year, to add to his previous wins in the South (2018) and the West (2019). And at the halfway point in this year’s North, he leads the way alongside Cathal MacCanna (Carton House) on two-under par.

No golfer has ever won all four regional championships and, while Rafferty is well aware that history is at stake, he has his mind focused on the remaining two rounds of golf.

“That’s always going to be the thing as well,” said Rafferty, who will represent Ireland at the Eisenhower Trophy next month.

“Everyone is going to be at me all day but sure we’ll give it a go and see what happens. If we have a trophy at the end of it it’s great, if we don’t I’ll go home and play with the child and keep her entertained.

“36 holes out on that golf course could be anything. It’s hard to win one of these, so around a course like this you have to play well and keep yourself in it.

“That is what we are going to try and do tomorrow.”

Just five golfers finished under-par after two rounds, with the rain setting in towards the tail end of Rafferty and MacCanna’s second round efforts.

Dylan Shaw-Radford (Huddersfield), David Shiel (Enniscrone) and David Kitt (Athenry) are all back on one-under, with Edward Farr (Monkstown) on level par.

The cut fell at +7 with 42 golfers making it into Friday’s action, where Rafferty and MacCanna will tee off from the tenth at 9.17am for their penultimate rounds.

Both players had opened with 68s and it was Rafferty who had the slightly better front nine on Thursday, as he shot 38 on the way out. He bogeyed the third, sixth and eighth holes but grabbed a crucial birdie on the seventh.

The Ireland international also birdied the 13^th and it was pars all the way in, while MacCanna birdied 11, 16 and 18. A bogey on 15 cost him the solo overnight lead.

“I try not to think about it (winning), unless it does happen,” said MacCanna.

“I know if I keep doing what I am doing, and what I have been doing, I will be in and abouts. 

“I haven’t really had an amazing amateur career thus far anyway. It’s just nice to be up there and competing. It’s a lot of fun and enjoyable. 

“Can’t wait for tomorrow, it’s going to be difficult. The weather is supposed to be okay but 36 holes is always challenging.

“Gonna stock up on food and water and just try and keep doing what you’re doing.”