Irish trio have hard act to follow in Walton’s footsteps

THE Country Club of Rochester, the venue for this week’s US Open Championship, holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Irish golfers.

It was here, on a nerve-wracking evening in September, 1995, that Malahide's Philip Walton won the Ryder Cup for Europe when he defeated his American opponent Jay Haas in the decisive singles match.

But the Rochester course at Oak Hill has been more or less out of the limelight since 1995. However, from Thursday onward it will be the focus for golfers worldwide as they enjoy the final major of the 2003 season.