AT A time when Ireland is in danger of becoming sated with gold medals, Laura Davies claims that second place is an undervalued finish. The world's number two insists "It's not failure. In fact I'd take second place every week."

An acceptance of this view would certainly ease much of the pain from missing out on the top award, whether it be in the heat of Olympic battle in Atlanta, or in attempting to capture a major golf award.

Of course it may be the Davies way of coping with pressure, which is always there, whatever the situation. Experienced practitioners believe that one should never resist it. Rather should the fearful competitor learn to cope, mainly through experience.

Jack Nicklaus spoke about pressure during the British Open at Royal Lytham last weekend. And elsewhere, he has expressed the view that there is essentially no difference in the relative pressure at any level. He said. "There are certain competitive levels you can achieve, whether it's the club championship, or the district championship or beating your wife at golf, I mean. When you get to that level, you should be able to concentrate and control your emotions so that you can win.

"Sure, you're nervous, but that's the difference between being able to win and not being able to win. And that's the fun of it, to put yourself into the position of being nervous, being excited. I never look at it as pressure. I look at is as fun and excitement. That's why you're doing it."

One of the most revealing aspects of Michelle Smith's gold medal performances was the manner in which she planned her strategy in precise detail and then stuck to it. This is the so called "game plan", which acts as a protection against being deflected by the various pressures of competitive situations.

For instance, Tom Watson holds the view that at crucial stages in the battle for a major title, the brain delivers wrong messages. "The key is to identify those messages for what they are and ignore them," he said. "Stick to a plan that has served you well in similar situations in the past."

There is also the simple action of breathing deeply, which is the most effective way to relax on a golf course. But the problem is that few people do it properly. They simply inhale until their chest protrudes and their shoulders are pushed back. Breathing deeply in this fashion can actually increase tension.

So as to ensure effective deep breathing, you must use your diaphragm. This is achieved by inhaling so that your stomach protrudes while your chest remains still. Hold the breath for three seconds, then release it slowly as you relax your body. And don't be afraid of finishing second.

WHAT was it that Andy Warhol said about everybody being entitled to 15 minutes of fame? I had mine during the presentation ceremony at Royal Lytham last Sunday. It was there for the whole world to see on TV, as Steven Reid, captain of the host club, presented the famous claret jug to Tom Lehman.

Of course you're confused so let me explain. Dressed in a sports shirt and slacks, I had arrived at the clubhouse earlier in the day to apologise to the captain for being unable to attend a formal lunch party. With Irish players in strong, challenging positions, I felt I couldn't afford the time.

Without replying, Dr Reid excused himself and dashed upstairs. No more than two or three minutes later, he returned with a shirt, tie and blazer, handed them to me and insisted. "Now you'll have no problem in joining us." Which I did.

After lunch, I changed back into my own glad rags and returned the apparel to the captain. "Just think of it," he said. "You have just worn the blazer I'll be wearing when I present the trophy to the winner later today." If that doesn't qualify as 15 minutes of fame...

WHEN Jack Nicklaus played in the so called Toyota Challenge of Champions at Royal Dublin 10 years ago, a colleague, tired and emotional after a lengthy spell in the hospitality area, asked the great man about his taste in music. Typically diplomatic, Nicklaus replied that with a growing family, he considered it wise to maintain an interest in the pop, scene.

But now that his family have all grown up his youngest, Michael, was 23 last Wednesday it's a case of dad's choice being everybody's choice. And so it was when the Air Bear took off from Blackpool Airport last weekend after Nicklaus fine challenge in the British Open.

He listened to the same old Kenny Rogers tapes that have been his companions on countless trips around the world. "I've had the same CDs and tapes on here for the last six years, so that when I come back from a long, site visit or a meeting with the builders, I can whistle familiar tunes," he explained.

Nicklaus concluded. "With all the travel I do, I have to keep my sanity somewhere." And it seems that the popular country and western singer fills that requirement admirably. All of which prompts the thought that in view of the problems he encountered off the tee at Lytham, the great man might take to calling his driver Lucille. It would certainly give a topical ring to the Rogers line, "You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille."

ARISING out of last week's piece about Eilish McCahey, I've had a letter from Greystones reader Gerry Boate telling me of his remarkable wife, Pat, who is an associate member and past lady captain of both Delgany GC and Greystones GC. Though approaching her 79th birthday, she recently played competitive golf on 10 out of 11 successive days.

"She regularly plays four days a week," wrote Gerry. "The winter months don't deter her from playing in weekly competitions in both clubs." He went on. "Her present handicap is 11, having come down from 15 last year. Indeed 15 was her highest handicap for about 30 years.

He concluded. "Five years ago, she was in the Leinster Ladies' Alliance, playing off nine. Her lowest handicap was eight. She swims in the sea all year round at Greystones and is a great grandmother." It's certainly nice to see that Pat's golfing achievements are matched by her husband's admiration. No grass widowers in the Boate household!

In brief: It's been a remarkable week for the golfing Quinns. Last weekend at Portmarnock, Feargal completed a unique sequence by following his son, Donal, as winner of the coveted Gold Medal, beating Ross Gormley by one hole in the final. Meanwhile, over at Malahide, Donal and his mother, Denise, captured the Flogas Mother and Son tournament with a net score of 671/2. Then, at Citywest last Wednesday, Feargal and Denise joined forces with Matt Walsh of the sponsoring company and French professional Marie Laure De Lorenzi to win the Waterford Foods Pro-Am.

Teaser: Paul Azinger's action in smashing his putter in anger during the first round of the British Open last week prompts today's teaser. In stroke play, a competitor broke a club in anger, finished the round with 13 clubs and then learned that he would be involved in a sudden death play off. May the competitor replace his broken club for the play off.

Answer: The play off constituted a new round. The competitor was therefore entitled to replace his broken club.