Woods warms up for Open

Tiger Woods continued his countdown to the Open today with a course record 67 at the European Club in Ireland.

The world number one, halfway towards golf’s first-ever Grand Slam of all four majors in one season, was playing with defending Open champion David Duval, former winner Mark O’Meara and US Tour colleague Scott McCarron.

The course measures 7,300 yards - longer even than the US Open last month - and owner Pat Ruddy revealed afterwards that he wants to make it an Open venue.

The only time the Open was held in Ireland was 1950 when Max Faulkner won at Royal Portrush.

Ruddy has already had a response from the Royal and Ancient Club saying they have no immediate plans to change their rota, but will meet with him at Muirfield.