Higgins a qualified success?

THE bookmakers rate him 1,000/1 and even his most ardent supporters in Kerry and Cork could hardly quibble with that. But David Higgins is quietly confident that he can make an impression in this week’s Open Championship, his self-belief soaring last night after he had completed his first full practice round over the Turnberry links.

It was so familiar to him that at times he felt he was being transported back home to places like Ballybunion and his beloved Waterville.

And while liking a course is no guarantee of playing well when the real business begins, Higgins is satisfied that he can capitalise on the outstanding achievement of qualifying last week at Glasgow Gailes by claiming one of four places available in a field of 96.