Shane Lowry has boosted hopes of a fourth Irish success in eight years by qualifying for next fortnight’s British Open at Royal Liverpool.

Paul McGinley acknowledged the so-called Ryder Cup captain’s curse in missing the halfway cut for a third event in succession at the BMW International Open in Cologne.

Michael Hoey is confident he’s finally shaken flu symptoms brought on by overdoing the celebration at the recent Heineken Cup final.

Bernhard Langer stormed into the lead in the second round of the German Masters in Cologne.