Eagle-eyed Lawrie turns on style for record home run

THEY'RE a funny bunch, these Irish golfers. Take Padraig Harrington. He adds next week's Scandinavian Open at Malmo, Sweden, to his schedule because he says he needs to play more tournaments to warrant the work he's put in on the practice ground.

Then there's David Higgins, who would also love to play more golf but finds it difficult to even get on the European Challenge Tour.

Peter Lawrie was rookie of the year in Europe last year but has struggled to find his best form. Things didn't look a whole lot better at two over after nine holes of yesterday's first round of the Nissan Irish Open at sunny Baltray. A couple of hours later, he signs for a five under par 67.