Walker the only man in the black after punishing opening day at Co. Sligo

After a mostly calm and temperate practice day, the Harry Colt Championship Links at County Sligo showed its teeth and more in the opening round of the Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland Championship. Strong winds accompanied the 138-man field from the off, but it was the afternoon wave that bore the brunt as the gusts grew stronger and constant rain was thrown into the equation. Playing in the third group of the day, Roscommon’s Simon Walker made light of the conditions to shoot a level-par 71 that, in the opinion of the Rosses Point faithful who remained huddled in