Gareth Maybin (Ballyclare) and Colm Moriarty (Athlone) have withdrawn from the Irish team for the Home Internationals at Ballybunion Golf Club on September 17 to 19. They are replaced by Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge) and Michael Sinclair (Knock).

Jack Nicklaus lived up to his star billing when he opened with a solid one-under-par 70 to claim a place near the top of the leaderboard during the first round of the British Senior Open at Royal Co Down Golf Club.