Smyth strikes Dutch gold

INSPIRED by a tip from compatriot Christy O’Connor Jnr, Des Smyth captured his fourth European Senior Tour title in thrilling fashion with a sublime round of 65 at the Van Lanschot Senior Open in Holland yesterday.

After finishing two strokes ahead of Australian Peter Fowler and American Tim Thelen thanks chiefly to a brace of eagles in a regal display at Royal Haagsche Golf and Country Club, Smyth paid tribute to O’Connor, who noticed that his friend’s alignment was out of kilter.

That brief lesson on the range in Cologne last week helped transformed Smyth’s game, and the 58 year old — who still holds the record as the oldest winner on The European Tour — vowed to reward O’Connor with several pints of Guinness.