The tee shots may not have travelled as far as they once did and the swings were not quite as well grooved but the former South of Ireland champions who assembled at Lahinch yesterday demonstrated they could still teach the modern tigers a thing or two when it came to manoeuvring a golf ball around a links in demanding conditions.

The Munster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland confirmed last night that of a number of significant changes have been made in the hope resurrecting the image and status of the South of Ireland Championship.

The humble snail is currently rivalling eagles and birdies for attention at one of Ireland’s top golf clubs.