It was not until the second half of the 19th century that the expansion of golf in Ireland truly took flight, writes Paul Rouse.

Last Tuesday, the members of Muirfield Golf Club — the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which owns and runs the course — voted overwhelmingly to allow lady golfers to join the oldest recorded golf club in the world.

Compared to the discomfort he experienced a year ago, Augusta National chairman Billy Payne looked a picture of relaxation as he answered questions from the media this week following his annual State of the Masters address.

Before a ball is struck in anger Peter Williamson considers eight topics which look set to dominate the 2013 golf season

KEEPING a close eye on developments at the recent Open Championship at Muirfield was Pat Lyons, the Irish international from Cork Golf Club.