Horton set for a long haul

NOBODY expects life to be easy for the next few days, certainly not if first impressions count for anything. Tommy Horton was reminded of the Belfry - with the rider, in its early days" - and Tony Jacklin talked of a "long and demanding" design as consideration was applied to the test which St Margaret's is likely to present when the inaugural AlB Irish Seniors Open starts at the north Dublin course today.

Only a true romantic could expect the man himself, Christy O'Connor Senior, one of four Irishmen in the restricted 44-man field, to claim the title, especially given the calibre of the foreign invasion force. Nevertheless, it was testimony to his aura that the Royal Dublin maestro attracted the closest thing to constitute a gallery in yesterday's pre-tournament pro-am.

Indeed, the professionals will again be playing with amateur partners in a team format, with their own scores to count towards the championship, when the event proper tees-off today, although they will divest themselves of such encumbrances for the final two days of this 54-hole tournament which carries a prize fund of £75,000.

Horton, though, is the man in form and the obvious favourite. Last year's Order of Merit winner is playing with a new driver after his favourite, old one split. "Thankfully, the substitute is remarkably similar and any worries I had about using it have disappeared," he said. And last week the Englishman showed he retains the magic touch by winning the Turkish Open.

Conditions will be quite different here, however. If not quite experiencing the change in climate which Florida-based Jacklin has faced since his arrival (coming from 80 degrees sunshine to a cold east wind, and struggling to shake off a cold into the bargain), Horton claimed the wind would be a major factor, although he shot a three-under-par 69 in yesterday's corporate event, which was won by Neil Coles' team with a better ball of 18-under-par.

"If this wind persists, it is going to be a mighty test," said Horton. An indication of the wind's influence was that he required a drive-three wood to reach the par 4 sixth hole, while the 18th hole was similarly testing.

"I'd consider myself one of the longer hitters on the Tour, but this course is playing a good length; it reminds me of the Belfry in its early days, quite open. But it will mature."

Jacklin concurred. "It is still a bit young," he said, "and, consequently, it is exposed. It needs a few more years to really mature. But, even now, it is demanding and long, a really good lay-out. Personally, I'm hoping the wind changes; this east wind cuts into you, especially when you're coming from warm weather."

All of which indicates that players won't exactly be shooting the lights out. And with greens registering 10 on the stimpmetre - comparable to European Tour conditions putting will also come into the equation. A fine test of golf can be anticipated.