Swing when your winning: fanatics seek out top tips from stars

MEN are suckers. Just ask Niamh Coughlan, 15, from Portmarnock, Co Dublin and fellow Dubliner, Grace Bergin, 14, from Malahide who managed to gather a dream collection of autographs from the European players by using the age old method of flattery.

“We just kept shouting like mad until they came over to us,” Niamh explained. “We’d shout: you’re playing really well today.” “Or: you have really nice shoes,” Grace added. Shameless but clever.

Both girls are keen golfers so getting to see their heroes in action up close was a dream come true. Or, as they’ll explain to their teachers this morning, an inspiring and educational opportunity to witness the pursuit of perfection.