New Open champion Rory McIlroy had the last laugh in Hoylake last night as he saw off his rivals, a heckler, and the good-natured booers who turned on the Manchester United fan during his victory speech.

It is not just Tiger Woods who will have changed in the eight years since the Open Championship last visited Hoylake, the Royal Liverpool course he tamed in 2006 will be presenting quite a different challenge this time around.

Visitors to the UK often seek out the sites of tradition. Indeed it seems that British pomp and circumstance holds a special appeal – none more apparent than at the country’s leading sporting events, such as the Open Championship, which under the guidance of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has barely moved away from its traditions over the past century and a half.

FRIDAY was a red letter day for both West Waterford Golf and Country Club and young Séamus Power when it was announced that he had been selected to play for his country in the Boys’ Home Internationals against the cream of young golfers from England, Scotland and Wales at Royal St David’s Golf Club in Wales from August 5th to August 7th.