Golfing fever is gripping the nation with an Irish duo right in the mix for the British Open this afternoon.

Irish golfing sensation Paul Dunne will not receive a single penny in prize money even if he wins the British Open this afternoon.

Irish amateur Paul Dunne had such an early start to the Open Championship his only hope was someone was watching to take notice of his excellent opening round at St Andrews on Thursday morning.

The Northern Irishman was the favourite for the title at St Andrews and much had been made of a potential rivalry with Jordan Spieth, who has risen to second in the world rankings after winning the year’s first two majors.