Officers hit the greens

If you think that those charged with administering the sport in this country - the officials of the Golfing Union of Ireland - have more things on their mind than actually getting round to playing golf competitively, then think again!

The Irish Seniors Amateur Open Championship, which commences at Tullamore Golf Club on Thursday next, has some of the country's most high-powered officers in the field. Indeed, Tom Grealy, the Roscommon hotelier who is the current president of the GUI, is among the 150 competitors chasing the title. Grealy, however, isn't the only administrator with his eye on the prize. Mullingar's Albert Lee, the chairman of the Leinster Branch, and Sean Hosty, secretary of the Connacht Branch, are also competing, as is Irish team captain Mick Craddock (Malahide) and two former international selectors, Frankie McCarroll and Eddie Dunne.

A total of 19 foreign players have entered for the AIB East of Ireland Amateur Open Championship which takes place at Baltray over the Bank Holiday weekend. Indeed, there have been representations made from Norwegian players competing at the British Amateur championship this week at Royal Co Down to enter the event - and the three places reserved for Swedish players may be divided with the Norwegians.

Garth McGimpsey's defence of the East of Ireland title is dependent on his performance at the British. If he makes it to Saturday's final of that particular championship, then he obviously won't make it to Baltray.

Meanwhile, Irish strokeplay champion Susie O'Brien will be among the contenders for the ILGU Midland District Championship which starts at Faithlegg Golf Club today and concludes on Thursday.