CHAMPIONSHIP Director Ben Watson expects crowds in excess of 70,000 for the 3 Irish Open that starts over the Killeen Course at Killarney on Thursday.

IT was a glorious day when we assembled at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club for the 3 Irish Open media day.

HOWEVER much Ross Fisher enjoyed his Volvo World Match Play win, it was matched by Sweden’s Peter Hanson.

Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia may not be contesting this week’s Deutsche Bank Championship in Germany, but another star of the Open Championship is back in action.

The French Open’s recent reputation for springing surprises continued today when Welshman Kyron Sullivan and South African James Kamte, ranked only 421st and 386th in the world, took the first-round lead at Le Golf National.

Three days ago Darren Clarke described his golf as “horrific”, but today he takes a two-shot lead into the delayed final round of the Nissan Irish Open.

PAUL LAWRIE had expected to be on the school run and “chilling out” this week. But now he is looking for another victory over Tiger Woods and a cheque of more than £450,000.

Sergio Garcia has been fined for the European Tour for his latest show of temper.

SERGIO GARCIA has spoken of the sadness behind his victory in the opening event of Europe’s Ryder Cup qualifying race.

Sergio Garcia has spoken of the sadness behind his victory in the opening event of Europe’s Ryder Cup qualifying race.

SERGIO GARCIA put a smile on the face of Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam yesterday by winning the first qualifying event for next year’s match.

THE first day's play in the €3.4million Deutsche Bank Championship in Hamburg was completely washed out yesterday.

The first day’s play in the Deutsche Bank Championship in Hamburg was completely washed out today.

FOLLOWING consultation with David Probyn, tournament director of the PGA European Tour, Tom MacKenzie of the Donald Steel design team and local member Des Smyth, it has been agreed that the Baltray links will play to more than 7,050 yards with a par of 72 for next July’s Nissan Irish Open.

IRELAND’S top golfers have sounded a ringing endorsement for the Co Louth Club in Baltray being confirmed today as the venue for next year’s Nissan Irish Open.

There is no possibility that Bernhard Langer’s winning total of 19 under in 1987 will be equalled at Portmarnock this week,insists Charlie Mulqueen.

WITH war seemingly just over the horizon, security has been increased for the European golf tour event being played in Qatar this week.

With war seemingly just over the horizon security has been increased for the European golf tour event being played in Qatar this week.