As European golf chiefs battle to retain sponsors and a healthy schedule their compatriots across the Atlantic are basking in the game’s high profile stateside.

Shane Lowry has vowed to now bring more aggression to his game after ending a run of recent outs to easily make the halfway cut in the Valero Texas Open.

When you see an evening out at the golf club entitled “Five Shots Lower Without Changing Your Swing” it is usually enough to make any handicapper put down his remote control and go out into the night in search of a ticket.

Troy Matteson shot a six-under-par round of 66 to take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Puerto Rico Open.

American Derek Lamely carded a nine-under-par 63 to claim a one-shot lead after the first round of the Bob Hope Classic yesterday.

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON is taking time out from his US Masters build-up to meet President Obama at the White House on St Patrick’s Day.

Rising Australian star Jason Day and 42-year-old American Michael Bradley moved clear of the field in the third round of the Puerto Rico Open in Rio Grande today.