BALTRAY, Ireland, July 22 (UPI) -- Nick O'Hern shot an 8-under 64 Thursday to share the lead at the Irish Open with fellow Australian Peter Lonard.
A third Australian, Brett Rumford, shot 66 to tie for third with Scotsman Stephen Gallacher and Englishman Simon Wakefield.
No Irishman has won this title since John O'Leary in 1982.
Former British Open champions Peter Lawrie and Sandy Lyle shared sixth place with Fredrik Andersson, Robert-Jan Derksen, Steve Webster and Mark Roe.
"This is the first time I have been here," said O'Hern, who has four top-10 finishes in his last five starts. "The course is fantastic. I love links golf where you have to think your way round and shape your shots.
"I was pretty annoyed I didn't get in the British Open last week at Royal Troon. I think that place would have suited me down to the ground. But I love this course."
