WHAT a difference a week makes. Seven days ago, 28-year-old Colm Moriarty from Athlone was relying on invitations to Challenge Tour events as he attempted to get his career back on track after a dismal 2006 season.

IRELAND’S Peter Lawrie began the New Year is rousing style with what he described as the best he has ever played to record a closing 66 for a share of fifth place in the Caltex Masters in Singapore.

WEDDING bells are in the air for Ireland’s emerging professionals. Peter Lawrie tied the knot last week and Gary Murphy weds Elaine (a niece of well-known amateur star Barry Reddan) five days after Christmas.

WITH Peter Lawrie and Darren Clarke at the top of the leaderboard alongside David Howell on nine under at the halfway stage, and Gary Murphy only one shot off the pace, the Irish challenge for the huge money at stake in the Dunhill Links Championship could hardly be better positioned.

PATIENCE is a virtue in every walk of life.

REMEMBER the late James Hunt, the former Formula One motor racing champion?

Edinburgh-born Neil Manchip, assistant to Leonard Owens at Royal Dublin, won the Irish Club Professionals' Championship at Nuremore for a third time with a closing round of 65.