SENIOR BRITISH OPEN:As one of the sub-plots to the full battle to claim the Senior British Open Championship, the tussles between former and current champions, particularly when the players in question are still performing to the highest standards, often ensure plenty of thrills.
At Muirfield this week, Eduardo Romero and Tom Watson are two such talents competing for glory, and, as recent Senior major champions, both feel ready to deliver once more.
American legend and eight-time major champion Watson, winner of two Senior Opens, in 2003 and 2005, is bidding for a third on the course where he won one of his five Open titles, in 1980, when he held off Lee Trevino over the East Lothian links to capture the old Claret Jug.
Argentinian Romero, meanwhile, is the Champions Tour Tradition holder, after his debut senior major win in August 2006 - and his record in the past four senior majors is impressive, with second, first, second and tied 22nd finishes.
This week Romero (53), is in the company of double Masters tournament winner Ben Crenshaw, and Mark James, while Watson is joined by senior debutant Nick Faldo - who claimed two of his three Opens at Muirfield - and past Masters and Open Champion Mark O'Meara.
Watson (57), said: "I intend to even the score with Nick this week and make it 2-2. I've always enjoyed Muirfield, it's always been a favourite.
"I remember in 1980 when I won here, I was putting probably the best of any one particular time in my career. I just told myself, 'if I can stay out of the bunkers and the rough, I could win the tournament,' because my putting was so on.
"I can't compete with the kids anymore because of the distance, but the Open Championships are places where I feel like I can compete in the right conditions."
There are six Irishmen in the field. Des Smyth and Mark McNulty are in the same threeball with American Craig Stadler, while Denis O'Sullivan, Eddie Polland, Paul Leonard and Eamonn Darcy will also tee it up at Muirfield.
YOUTHS AND BOYS:Ulster and Leinster continued their fine form with wins in both the Golfsure-sponsored Boys and Youths Interprovincial Championships at Donegal Golf Club yesterday.
Holders Ulster Boys defeated Connacht by 5½ matches to 3½, while Leinster defeated Munster 7-2 to set up a final-day showdown between the two unbeaten provinces.
Ulster Youths overcame Munster 6-3, while Leinster beat Connacht 6½-2½ and will face Ulster today requiring a win to retain their crown.
KILLARNEY PRO-AM:Tour player David Higgins drew on his experience to battle through the wind and rain at Killarney yesterday to win the John Deere PGA pro-am tournament with a second round 71 on the tough Lackabane Course.
CANADIAN OPEN:In-form Jim Furyk will be aiming to defend his Canadian Open title today as the USPGA Tour heads north of the border to Angus Glen GC.
SENIOR WOMEN:After 36 holes qualification Ireland finished in 10th position in the European Senior Ladies Team Championships in Sweden. France, Sweden, England and Scotland finished as top four.
