McIlroy set on another title

Irish Close: When Ireland's top amateurs tee it up at the European Club today in the Golfsure-sponsored Irish Close Championship, those with aspirations to be a professional should take the time to examine the roll of honour for this tournament.

It's a "who's who" of Ireland's professionals, alighting for instance on Ronan Rafferty's victory (1980) to Philip Walton (1982) through to the current generation. Paul McGinley triumphed at Rosses Point (1989), Darren Clarke at Co Louth (1990), Gary Murphy at Portstewart (1992), David Higgins at Portmarnock (1994) and Pádraig Harrington at Lahinch (1995).

Peter Lawrie won at Royal County Down in 1996, Graeme McDowell followed four years later at Royal Portrush, while last year's champion, teen sensation Rory McIlroy, has shelved plans to turn professional until after next year's Walker Cup.

The Ulster prodigy successfully defended his West of Ireland title earlier in the season and has underlined his commitment to a successful defence of the Irish Close at the European Club.

There is also the hardly inconsequential matter of finishing runner-up, beaten in a play-off for the Irish Amateur Open Championship last month.

The tournament opens with two rounds of strokeplay qualifying, today and tomorrow, before the top 64 enter the matchplay phase, with the final scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

For those who can spare a few hours, it's worth taking a look at McIlroy up close, along with a host of other outstanding golfers over what is one of Ireland's top links courses.

At 7,368 yards off the championship stakes, the European Club is a monstrous proposition on even the most balmy days. It's protected by 105 bunkers in a demanding layout that wends its way through the beautiful dunelands of Brittas Bay.

Three-time winner Eddie Power (1987, 1993, 1998) will try to put manners on the younger generation, as will Adrian Morrow, while another champion, John McGinn, takes part. Recently crowned East of Ireland champion Brendan McCarroll and runner-up at Baltray, Jonathan Caldwell, take part, as does the in-form Pat Murray.