Leona Maguire stalks leaders at ISPS Handa World Invitational

Leona Maguire is four shots off the lead after the opening day of the ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland.

Maguire carded three birdies and the same number of bogeys as she recorded a level-par 73 at Castlerock Golf Club, one of two courses used for the event sanctioned by the DP World Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour, which sees male and female players compete at the same time.

Stephanie Meadow is two shots further back after her 74 at Galgorm, with amateur Jessica Ross on four over after her round at the same course, while Olivia Mehaffey laboured to a nine-over 81.

Gabriella Cowley, Karis Davidson, Kim Metraux and Ellinor Sudow share the lead on four under par.

Women's leaderboard

In the men's event, Daniel Brown claimed a two-shot advantage after registering an eagle and six birdies at Castlerock.

Alex Fitzpatrick and Callan Barrow were part of a four-strong group on five under, with Gregorio de Leo the only player in the chasing quartet to compile his score at Galgorm Castle.

Fitzpatrick, who finished 17th in the Open at Royal Liverpool and won his first Challenge Tour title at St Mellion two weeks later, continued his fine form with a 66 which included five birdies in succession.

The 24-year-old, the younger brother of 2022 US Open winner Matt, said: "I just kept hitting greens and made a couple of putts and just went on a bit of a run, which was nice.

"The wind started to pick up a lot which made it harder to hit greens and give yourself chances. I stuck in well and ground out a decent score. Happy to be where I am.

"I think Galgorm is a tough golf course from what I know and it will play really soft. I think it's meant to rain and be windy again. I’ll try and stick in there and grind out a score