Colin Campbell leads at Irish Amateur Open Championship

Campbell began the day one behind Jack Hume. As Hume had to settle for a level par 72 Campbell seized the initiative on another glorious afternoon at Royal Dublin.

“It’s just nice to be playing well and to be giving myself chances. I’m not putting myself in any danger,” said Campbell, who could have been even further in front had he converted good chances on the last two holes.

Still, the 29-year-old from Warrenpoint is in pole position heading into the penultimate round.

“Listen, still a lot of golf to go and anything can happen around this place,” said Campbell, who, at 29, is far too experienced to entertain bold predictions. “It really depends on what the weather does. Keep doing what we’re doing and hopefully come Sunday evening we’ll not be far away.”

English teenage star Marco Penge could be Campbell’s biggest threat in today’s third round. 17-year-old Penge carded a stunning 64 and set a new course record at Royal Dublin.

“I was just trying to make as many birdies as I could,” said Penge, who was seven shots behind at the start of play. He moved quickly up the leaderboard in round two thanks to an eagle at the second. Another eagle followed at the driveable 16th.

Overnight leader Hume is still well positioned on five under. Hume plays in the second last group today alongside Waterford’s Eanna Griffin. Massereene’s Tiarnan McLarnon posted a second successive 69 to take a share of second overnight.

“I’m more happy with the way I’m playing more than the score,” said McLarnon. “I’m starting to hit the ball better and putt better. I’m enjoying it more. I’ve found something this week.”

The top 50 and ties after today’s 54-hole cut will progress to Sunday’s final round.