It took Darren Clarke just two holes to leap 29 places in the Irish Open at Royal Portrush today – despite the pouring rain.

Padraig Harrington thinks major golf titles are like buses – “when you get one a few more arrive very quickly”.

With apologies to overnight leader Gregory Bourdy, this year’s Irish Open got the shot in the arm it needed when Pádraig Harrington birdied the 17th hole at Royal Portrush yesterday evening.

Paul McGinley is in his 46th year, 25 of which he has spent as a professional golfer, so he knows full well how ill-advised it would be to take anything for granted.

Forza Gagli

France’s Gregory Bourdy gave the chasing pack – Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke included – a boost when he failed to build on a brilliant start to his Irish Open second round at Royal Portrush today.

Rory McIlroy was back in the title hunt and Darren Clarke on course to make his first cut of the year – but it was two continentals who were setting the pace on day two of the Irish Open at Royal Portrush.

Rory McIlroy made just the start he was hoping for today after resuming the Irish Open at Royal Portrush down in joint 53rd place.

ENGLAND’S Lee Slattery survived a jittery final hole to claim his maiden win on the European Tour at the Bankia Madrid Masters yesterday.

England's Lee Slattery survived a jittery final hole to claim his maiden win on the European Tour at the Bankia Madrid Masters today.

PAUL CUTLER crashed out of the first stage of the European Tour Qualifying dream last night after a thoroughly disappointing few days at Frilford Heath in Oxfordshire.

Ireland's Peter Lawrie is in a tie for second place after day two at the Johnnie Walker Championship in Gleneagles.

ENGLAND’S Oliver Fisher kept his cool in the final round to win the Czech Open as he signed for a 69 to win by two shots at the Prosper Golf Resort in Celadna.

Overnight leader Peter Lawrie had an unspectacular start to his second round at the Czech Open as he bogeyed two of the first four holes.

WHATEVER about major winners, the Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland stayed true to form in Killarney as it produced another English winner after Simon Dyson edged home in a dramatic finale.

Robert Rock claimed sole leadership of the Italian Open after today’s second round as he edged a shot clear of the chasing pack.

Christian Nilsson stormed to the Saint-Omer Open title with a six-stroke victory in northern France today.

Rory McIlroy scorched into a commanding five shot lead at the halfway stage of the European Individual Amateur Championship in Italy today.

Rory McIlroy scorched to an incredible eight under par 65 to share the first round lead in the European Amateur Individual Championship in Italy.

England lead the European Youths Team Championship after day two at The Island Golf Club in Dublin.

European Youths Team Championship, day one