Scratch Cup stars cling to Walker Cup hopes

THIS will be a big weekend on and off the course for several of our leading golfers.

Attention switches from the magnificent links at Lahinch, where the South of Ireland held stage for five days, to the splendid parkland layout at Mullingar for the annual August Bank Holiday 72 hole Scratch Cup sponsored this year by Grant Thornton.

While most of our leading players will have their minds set on joining the many illustrious names adorning the trophy, they will also be keeping a serious eye out for news of the British & Irish Walker Cup team set to be announced by the captain, Scotland’s Colin Dalgleish, on Sunday.