27th July 2000

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Today's play at the 8th World University Golf Championships at Castlerock has been has been quite exceptional, with a new course record being set, and a hole in one scored.

"It's been an absolutely fabulous day. You simply couldn’t have a better day's golf to report, said tournament director John Hanna.

South African student Johan Foster hit a new Castlerock course record of 64 - an amazing 9 under par for the sandy seaside links course.

Tournament Director John Hanna said the young South African’s score was "a magnificent achievement," especially given how fast the course was playing as a result of the hot sunny weather that's been baking the north coast this past fortnight.

But the first excitement of the day came when Canadian Graham Cliff hit a hole in one - at a short par 3 hole classed as the trickiest on the course.

He had trouble on the left, trouble on the right, but the Canadian took his 5-iron and stylishly swept the ball straight into the hole.

Both these emerging golf stars were presented with special Waterford Crystal golf club head in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

Johan Foster received his special prize from Technical Director Ray Robinson and Graham Cliff received his from Tournament Director John Hanna. Graham is also to receive a special £100 cheque from sponsors Euroname at the closing awards ceremony on Friday.

Results:

Ladies:

The GB ladies team is in the lead with 299 after two rounds. Spain and USA are in second place with 311 and Chinese Taipei on 313. Top individual performer is Laura Moffatt (GB), with a tally of 143.

Men

The Ireland team is in the lead, with a combined total of 426: second is GB with 428, and third is Spain on 429.

Leading male player is Irishman Graham McDowell, on 138 after two rounds. Next are three players on 140 - Ireland's Chris Brown, Rafael Vera from Spain, and South African Johan Vorster - the man who broke the course record.

Live updates on the scores can be found at the tournament website hosted by the University of Ulster http://www.ulst.ac.uk/golf2000

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk