Expect scoring to drop as the pros find their level

THERE wasn’t a puff of wind on the first tee box as Hennie Otto, SSP Chowrasia and Thomas Aiken got the 3 Irish Open underway at 7am yesterday.

Even at that unearthly hour, a few diehards were pressed against the ropes to watch the trio commence the first championship in Killarney since 1992.

The first hole is a par four, 377 yards. Given it is a sharp dogleg right, the shot away is crucial. Bunkers are on the left while you cut too much to the right, a danger area of waste and marsh awaits. If you manage to split the fairway, it is an easy wedge into the green.