Missing stars dim Heritage showpiece

THE decision of many of Europe’s top players to withdraw from this week’s Seve Trophy at the Heritage course at Killenard, Co Laois, bodes no good for high-profile golfing events in this country.

Tommy Keane, who has done enormous good for the Portlaoise area and beyond, agreed to give a two-year commitment to staging the biennial clash of Britain & Ireland and the Continent of Europe at the Heritage.

The original signals were positive with Nick Faldo agreeing to captain B&I with the added benefit of gaining experience of such a role in the build-up to his leadership of the European Ryder Cup team at Valhalla next year.