LESS than 10 yards separated them as they fired iron shots down the practice ground at Lytham yesterday. So intent was Philip Walton on his work, however, that he failed to notice the identity of his near neighbour. It was none other than Jay Haas, the man he had beaten for the decisive Ryder Cup point at Oak Hill last September.

The eventual discovery of the American's proximity seemed to be inspirational, as Walton recalled their titanic struggle for matchplay supremacy. "It's a nice memory to carry into the biggest tournament of the year," he said of an impending challenge that, in contrast, will essentially be a battle with himself.

Though the form of Irish players has been decidedly moderate in recent weeks the fact remains that seven of them are in today's line up. This is three more than in the last Lytham staging in 1988, when Christy O'Connor Jnr and Eamonn Darcy failed to make the cut and the best finishes were by Ronan Rafferty (tied 38th) and Walton (tied 52nd).

On this occasion, the general feeling was of better things ahead. Walton was certainly pleased with his prospects, after working with his coach, Bob Torrance, who had him drawing his long irons beautifully. When I expressed surprise that the player wasn't fading the ball, Torrance replied: "The shape of the shot has to be in the swing and if I can get Philip drawing the ball, he'll have no problem moving it either way."

Walton nodded his approval and yet another shot flew off the clubface, rising into the clear blue sky and eventually drifting every so gently to the left. Then the player stepped back. "I must say hello to Haas - he's really a very nice fellow," he said.

The Malahide man, who moved house before coming here, expressed delight at the prospect of playing in the same three ball as Nick Price and Ben Crenshaw. "It's the best British Open draw I've ever had," he said. "I've never actually played with Nick or Ben, but I know I'm going to enjoy their company.

Indeed Crenshaw provoked further resonances of Oak Hill. In Europe's moment of triumph, the then US Masters champion made a point of coming over to Walton to offer warm congratulations.

In 1991, Paul McGinley, four months before a Walker Cup appearance at Portmarnock, finished third in the Lytham Trophy. So, he likes the course. And he had further cause for satisfaction.

"I've got a perfect draw," he said of his 12.08 start with former US amateur champion Justin Leonard and the beanpole Australian, Brell Ogle.

Further down the line, Padraig Harrington was with his coach, Howard Bennell, still working on a few corrections that had been prescribed earlier in the week. His neighbour was Ernie Els fancied at 14 to 1 to add this coveted crown to the US Open title he captured at Oakmont two years ago.

When Els came into the interview area, he unwillingly produced the best quote of the week so far. Had he met Nelson Mandela? "Probably three or four times, now," came the reply. Then came the inspired question: does he play golf? "Well, I guess he never had the chance to take it up," replied the South African, with boyish innocence.

Smiling to myself at the absurdity of it all, I headed for the pulling green and David Feherty. "I've come out of the closet," he proclaimed, in reference to a change to the broomhandle putter. In fact it is the implement with which Sam Torrance won no fewer than three European Tour events last season, including the Murphy's Irish Open.

Having finished fourth at Turnberry as recently as two years ago, Feherty had no difficulty in reawakening that special feeling. "I can feel it when I get within 15 miles of the course," he said. "This is a wonderful championship, like no other."

Of Lytham, he said: "Being land locked makes it different from the usual links stretch. It is also not as linear, which makes the wind a major factor. I'm really. looking forward to the challenge, now that I'm more confident about my putting. I felt forced to make the change simply because I had been striking, the ball so beautifully from tee to green.

Putting problems were worsened by an inner ear infection which affects his balance. "When I get up in the morning I fall into the wardrobe," he quipped. Seriously, he went on to explain that he was receiving treatment, but that it shouldn't be a factor this week.

Feherty and Walton have shown they can handle the big occasion. In the right mood, they could give a sparkling lead to their compatriots.