England’s James McCormick was the surprise leader after the opening stroke play round of the Radisson Blu-sponsored West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship at a damp and gloomy Rosses Point yesterday.

Shane Lowry failed to retain his West of Ireland Amateur Open title when he was beaten by England’s David Corsby’s 19th hole birdie in a dramatic decider at Rosses Point today.

The Matchplay pairings for the West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship have been announced.

Newlands’ Andrew Hogan defied 40 mph gusts to card a four-under par 67 and grab the silver medal for the leading qualifier in the West of Ireland Championship at Rosses Point.

England’s Jonathan Hurst has set his sights on the West of Ireland Amateur Open title after a level-par 71 gave him the first round lead at wind-blown Rosses Point today.

Gale-force winds have forced the postponement of the first qualifying round of the West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship at Rosses Point.

Teenager Rory McIlroy came of age when he successfully defended the Radisson SAS West of Ireland Championship with a brilliant putting display at Rosses Point.

THE Golfing Union of Ireland will introduce a clause limiting the “spring-like” effect of driving clubs to its Condition of Competition for all its leading National and Provincial Championships, effective from January 1, 2005.