NOW that Ireland is providing two of the three vice captains to the European Ryder Cup cause, and possibly three players to the team itself, this must be regarded as the golden era for golf in this country.

THE field for the ‘3’ Irish Open at Killarney’s Golf and Fishing Club (July 29-August 1) was yesterday boosted by the inclusion of Rory McIlroy, the weekend’s PGA championship winner Simon Khan and 2004 British Open champion Todd Hamilton.