MICHAEL DURCAN, the big hope of Ireland, bowed out of the Boys Amateur Championship at Royal St Georges, Sandwich yesterday after a tense battle with crack French teenager Gary Stal.

IF YOU hadn’t previously heard the famous F-worded Fergie quote about United’s historical challenge against Liverpool, you must have done by now: it’s been repeated ad nauseam by every newspaper since Saturday.

From next year final qualifying for the Open will be staged a week earlier and will be 36 holes in one day rather than spread over two.

FOR a tournament built on tradition, change was everywhere at Royal Birkdale.

Ireland's Phillip Walton has qualified for this year's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

Philip Walton, Europe’s Ryder Cup match-winning hero in 1995, and 1999 runner-up Jean Van de Velde are among 12 players to have come through the 36-hole final qualifying for next week’s Open Championship.

A week that began badly for Thomas Bjorn ended no better today when he withdrew from the final round of the European Open at The London Club.

Holder Jim Carvill said goodbye to the South of Ireland title on a wet and windy afternoon at Lahinch.

Warrenpoint’s Jim Carvill got his title defence off to a winning start in the South of Ireland Championship at Lahinch today.

British discount retailer Matalan remained unfazed about a slowdown on the high street today as shoppers continued to seek out bargains.