Sport

O'Meara signs up to promote Ireland

NEXT Monday's issue of the influential Irish America magazine will carry a rather special advertisement

By DERMOT GILLEECE
Fri Mar 12 1999 - 00:00

NEXT Monday's issue of the influential Irish America magazine will carry a rather special advertisement. By way of promoting the delights of Irish golf, the text reads: "You don't have to be Irish like me to discover your Irish links." And it's signed by Mark O'Meara.

This is part of an important promotional campaign in which Bord Failte are using the reigning US Masters and British Open champion to boost golf tourism to this country. And apart from any financial consideration, they had a very willing participant, proud of the fact that his great-grandfather hailed from this country.

Beside a photograph of a bareheaded O'Meara, who is wearing a sweater with "Ireland" emblazoned on it, the text continues: "Congratulations to Mark O'Meara, PGA Tour Player of the Year and a wonderful ambassador for Ireland and Irish America."

I understand that the player is to be used extensively in print promotions by Bord Failte. And this particular advertisement coincides with the magazine's announcement, during St Patrick's week, of its top 100 Irish-Americans.

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O'Meara's only competitive visit to this country was in 1987, when he was tied ninth behind Bernhard Langer in the Irish Open at Portmarnock. But prior to the British Open last July he returned with his friend Tiger Woods on an informal visit and played Waterville, Ballybunion and The K Club.

Hal Sutton fired a course record equalling eight-under-par 64 to claim a one stroke lead after the first round of the Honda Classic in Florida yesterday.

First-season professional Eric Booker shot a 65, Doug Barron was at 66 and Dicky Pride and Bradley Hughes shot 67. Nine golfers, including 1998 player of the year Mark O'Meara, were at 68.

Sutton became the fourth player to shoot 64 since the tournament moved to the TPC at Heron Bay two years ago. Craig Parry and Tommy Armour III set the course record in 1997 and John Daly tied it last year.

Sutton started with a 40-foot birdie putt at the second, made four birdie putts of 10 to 15 feet, birdied two par-fives from bunkers and birdied his last three holes.