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.

Mother and daughter pair Marian and Denise Murphy from Leixlip, Co Kildare, were genuinely looking for a bit of education.

Denise is getting married in Barbados next year and the ladies wanted a few tips so they could play to impress on the famed Sandy Lane course there.

“We’re not very good,” Denise admitted. “I’m hoping we can absorb some of the skills on display here.”

“We only dabble really,” agreed Marian, “but it would nice not to disgrace ourselves when we go to Barbados.”

One man who could have taught them a thing or two was Barney McLoughlin from Dublin, a golf fanatic who travels to the other side of the country to play his preferred course, Waterville in Co Kerry. “I’m a member there and I know it’s a bit of a way away but my wife’s from Waterville so I tell her I’m keeping in touch with her roots,” he explained.

Rita McLoughlin may sound like the ultimate golf widow but she liked the idea of being a WAG, especially if it meant demanding some high maintenance from her husband. “I don't know about that,” Barney said. “Didn’t they each have to get 12 or 14 outfits specially made for the competition — and they’re not even playing? I don't want Rita getting ideas.”

Two of the youngest fans here yesterday were four-year-old Maria Keating and her brother, Michael, seven, from Celbridge, Co Kildare, who were doing the rounds with mum Anna and dad Colm. “They’re a bit small but looking forward to the ceremony,” Colm said of the children. “But they got a half day off school so I think they might be enjoying that too.”

Liam Fox was enjoying the build-up to the spectacular opening ceremony too — until he tripped on ropes holding the tents and marquees in place, and promptly split his forehead.

He postponed a trip to hospital for stitches so he could take part in the ceremony with the Culwick Choral Society which formed part of the choir.

“We’ve been preparing so long that I'm not going to miss it now,” he said.