Defending American champ to play Senior Amateur Open

Defending champion John Baldwin is one of 17 American golfers who will compete in the Irish Seniors Amateur Open Championship, sponsored by the Portuguese Tourist Board, on Wednesday, May 31, Thursday, June 1, and Friday, June 2, at Limerick Golf Club.

This year's event, which has attracted a total of 62 overseas players in the field of 150, will be played for the first time over 54 holes.

There will be a cut after 36 holes with the top 51 players qualifying for the third and final round on day three, with the proviso that there are four players in the over-60s category, three players in the over-65s category and two players in the over-70s category included.

In addition to a strong home challenge and the American representation, the event has attracted overseas entries from Canada, England, Scotland, Wales and Sweden.

Players from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Sweden will be hoping for good performances to enhance their chances of places on their respective six-man national teams for the new European Seniors Team Championship, which will be held in Finland from August 16 to 19

The Seniors Home Internationals will be played at Dunbar, Scotland, on October 3 to 5.