Horne leads after Round One at OFX Irish Legends at Mount Juliet

South African golfer Keith Horne takes the lead at the 2025 OFX Irish Legends tournament after an impressive first round at Mount Juliet Estate in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Horne carded a superb seven-under-par 65 to edge ahead on a sun-drenched opening day of the Legends Tour event. Two eagles helped him rise to the top of a tightly packed leaderboard, one shot clear of compatriot James Kingston.

“It was very enjoyable – I’d give it an eight out of ten,” said Horne, who has continued his excellent form from the 2024 Legends Tour season, which included a win in Zambia. This year, he’s already secured top-10 finishes in Marbella and Barbados.

“I had a little bit of a wobble in the middle of the round, but I hit the ball really well today. It’s a tough course with firm greens, but I drove the ball well and was able to take advantage of the par fives.”

Horne’s round featured eagles at the 5th and 17th holes, with a standout 4-iron to tap-in range on the 5th. “I hit two perfect golf shots,” he said. “I’d hit it in the bunker twice earlier in the week, so I changed my line and left it just left of the hole.”

Mount Juliet

As warm weather continues to dry out the Mount Juliet course, Horne expects conditions to become even more demanding.

“The fairways are narrow and getting firmer. The ball is running a long way, which makes holding them tough. The greens are firm too – if you’re out of position, it’s hard to keep the ball on.”

Despite the challenge, Horne is optimistic. “I’ve been working hard on my swing. Everything clicked today, but I’ll keep refining it and see what happens tomorrow.”

James Kingston, also of South Africa, looked set to take the overnight lead after a six-under 66 that ended with a birdie on the 18th.

“A 66 is a bit of a surprise,” Kingston admitted. “I was sick after flying in and didn’t know what to expect. But my warm-up was good, my putting was sharp, and I gave myself chances.”

He added: “I missed opportunities on the par fives, but birdieing the last was a bonus. I remember Pete Cowen saying not to try to win too early – just get yourself in position. That’s what I’m doing.”

Paul Lawrie – PA Images, Ben Curtis

At five under par are 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie, Frenchman Jean-François Remésy, and Australian Scott Hend.

Lawrie, playing in his first Legends Tour event of the season, shot a bogey-free 67, with birdies on all four par fives. The Scot has a strong record in Ireland, having finished third at last year’s OFX Irish Legends at Seapoint.

Remésy, a two-time Open de France winner, made four birdies on the back nine to join the group at five under. Hend, meanwhile, bounced back from a bogey at the first to shoot 67.

Kilkenny native Gary Murphy delighted the home crowd with a four-under 68. His round included an eagle on the 8th and birdies on the 10th, 15th, and 18th holes.

He sits alongside Mikael Lundberg and Peter Baker in the group at four under.

Defending champion Adilson da Silva is among several players at three under, alongside English PGA Professional Matt Cort. Cort has made a strong start to life on the Legends Tour after earning his card through Q School.

“I finished fourth in Marbella, and although I was disappointed with 29th in Barbados, I played better than I scored,” said Cort. “The standard is high – you’ve got to play well to contend. The facilities are great, and I’m enjoying the experience. It’s a step up from warming up in a net before a Pro-Am!”

Catch the day one highlights below: