GRAEME McDOWELL, now up to fifth in the world rankings, is confident that a change from Callawayto Srixon clubs will not harm hisprospects of making a strong start tothe new season in Hawaii this week.

US OPEN champion Graeme McDowell, his Rathmore clubmate Alan Dunbar; Danielle McVeigh from Royal Co Down and Bill Gibson from the Curragh have been chosen for their annual awards by the Irish Golf Writers Association.

IRELAND’S global reputation as the home of golf’s greatest links courses will be further boosted this year with the confirmation that the Co Louth club at Baltray will stage the Irish Open Championship on May 14-17.

CLAIRE COUGHLAN (ladies), Darren Clarke (professional), Noel Fox (amateur) and Garth McGimpsey (distinguished services) were voted the 2003 award winners by the Irish Golf Writers Association.