Kearney best of Irish trio in Soudal Open

Niall Kearney was the best performing of the Irish trio after the opening round of the Soudal Open in Belgium.

The Dubliner carded an opening round of 69 at the Rinkven International Golf Club near Antwerp to sit at two-under par, four strokes behind the leading trio of Callum Shinkwin, Dale Whitnell and Sam Horsfield.

Kearney carded four birdies and bogeys to join a large group on -2 in a tie for 26th.

One stroke back is Jonathan Caldwell, the Bangor golfer birdieing the 11th and 15th en route to an opening round of 70.

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The remaining Irish player in the field, Cormac Sharvin, is three strokes back on two over par after a Thursday score of 73.

Of the leading trio, Whitnell made most of the running and even had an outside chance of shooting the second 59 in DP World Tour history when he covered his first 12 holes in eight under on the par-71 layout, but followed a birdie on the 16th by dropping three shots in the last two holes. Spain's Alvaro Quiros was part of a six-strong group sharing fourth place on five under, while home favourite Thomas Pieters carded an opening 69 which was matched by amateur compatriot Charles Roeland.

Additional reporting: PA