For an event which failed to take place for 35 years until its revival in 1995, the Irish Amateur Open Championship - which takes place at Royal Dublin on May 9th-10th - has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance.

Two players who have progressed to the professional ranks, Padraig Harrington (1995) and Keith Nolan (1996 and '97), have won the 72-holes strokeplay event since its reappearance on the amateur circuit. And an indication of its appeal is that players from nine foreign countries are included in the limited field of 70 for next month's championship, and, incredibly, some players on 0.6 handicap were balloted out of the draw.

Apart from the Americans (member of the Metropolitan Golf Association of New York) who are playing an Irish selection for the Governor Carey Challenge Cup in Portmarnock Links next week and who will then remain on for Royal Dublin, there are also players from Austria, France, Swede, Spain, Italy, Belgium, England and Wales, as well as Ireland's top amateurs. Meanwhile, some of this country's players will assume the role of invaders for the Lytham Trophy at Lytham and St Annes this weekend. Andrew McCormick, Paddy Gribben, Bryan Omelia, David Dunne, Noel Fox and John Morris are all competing in an event which is considered one of the top amateur strokeplay events on the British calendar.

The Golfing Union of Ireland is one of the first national governing bodies to move into the modern age with the launch yesterday of their website which can be accessed at www.gui.ie on the internet.

It's an impressive site too, which will prove hugely beneficial to clubs, players and officials alike. The site will be updated daily and provides listings of affiliated clubs and registered societies, a history of the union and results of championships through the years.