Three weeks out from the Walker Cup and Irish top amateurs are already claiming the headlines.

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.

Matthew Fitzpatrick did not get his wish to meet Tiger Woods during the 142nd Open Championship trophy ceremony, not that the Sheffield teenager failed to keep up his end of the bargain.

David Horsey provided more evidence of his growing reputation as one of the country’s most exciting young players when he carved out a three-under-par 68 for a five-way share of the first round lead in Lytham Trophy at Royal Lytham and St Annes.