REMEMBER the late James Hunt, the former Formula One motor racing champion?

NOT even the second albatross of his life could bring Colin Montgomerie closer to pace-setting Ryder Cup team-mate Padraig Harrington at the halfway stage of the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

FOR a golfer just starting out on his professional career, life could not be more idyllic for Graeme McDowell.

Graeme McDowell is today hoping to continue his belated birthday celebrations in the Volvo Scandinavian Masters.

Graeme McDowell leads the Volvo Scandinavian Masters by a shot after the first round.

Warren Bennett ruined three hours’ good work in 10 horrible minutes in the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond today.

Sandy Lyle considers it unfair that after winning two majors and three Order of Merit titles he might still lose his European tour exempt status at the end of this season.

The thought of taking on Tiger Woods at the Open next week – possibly head-to-head – had Justin Rose licking his lips tonight.

Former Ryder Cup players Gordon Brand Junior and David Gilford made the early running as the Murphy’s Irish Open teed off at Fota Island in Co Cork.

Even in a tournament lacking a single member of the world’s top 100 the Great North Open came up with a shock winner at Slaley Hall today.

Miles Tunnicliff opened up a four-stroke lead, with 10 holes to play, in the Great North Open at Slaley Hall.

Ireland's Gary Murphy is due to tee off in the next few minutes at the Great North Open at De Vere Slaley Hall today.

Bradley Dredge charged into the lead in the Great North Open at Slaley Hall.

Ireland's Des Smyth is three shots off the lead going into the second round of the Great North Open at Slaley Hall in Britain.

Not many people go from Surrey to Newcastle via Calais, but it did not do golfer Andrew Raitt any harm today.

Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher moved into contention to match the achievements of close friend Alastair Forsyth and win his first European Tour event in the Qatar Masters.

Stephen Gallacher’s late decision to stay on for an extra week in Australia paid off today when he charged into a share of third place at the ANZ Championship in Sydney.

England’s Paul Casey has been named the winner of the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award on the European tour.

Alex Cejka topped the leaderboard after the third round of the Scottish PGA Championship at Gleneagles.

Jesper Parnevik believes he will have to win the USPGA Championship to have any chance of qualifying automatically for the Ryder Cup.

Andrew Coltart has his sights set on a second title on the European Tour this year after a splendid first-round 66 in the Dutch Open.

Colin Montgomerie failed to pick up where he left off when the Murphy's Irish Open second round began at Fota Island near Cork.

Colin Montgomerie plans to quit golf the moment he thinks he cannot win again.