From a position of virtual isolation since Tom Watson won the British Open there in 1975, Carnoustie would appear to be very much back in favour with the Royal and Ancient. Restored to the British Open rota for next year's staging, it will also be used for the Boys' Championship in 2002.

In a comprehensive list announced by the R and A yesterday, leading Irish venues also figure prominently. The British Amateur will be at Royal Co Down next May-June; the Boys' Home Internationals come to Portmarnock in 2000 and the Senior Amateur will be at Royal Portrush the following year.

British Open: 1999 - Carnoustie, July 15th to 18th; 2000 - St Andrews, July 20th to 23rd; 2001 - Royal Lytham and St Annes, July 19th to 22nd; 2002 - Muirfield, July 18th to 21st.

British Amateur: 1999 - Royal Co Down and Kilkeel, May 31st to June 5th; 2000 - Royal Liverpool and Wallasey, June 5th to 10th; 2001 - Prestwick and Kilmarnock Barassie, June 4th to 9th; 2002 - Royal Porthcawl, Pyle and Kenfig, June 3rd to 8th.

Seniors British Amateur Champion- ship: 1999 - Frilford Heath, August 4th to 6th; 2000 - Gullane, August 9th to 11th; 2001 - Royal Portrush, August 8th to 10th; 2002 - Woodhall Spa, August 7th to 9th.

Boys Home Internationals: 1999 - Conwy, August 4th to 6th; 2000 - Portmarnock, August 9th to 11th; 2001 - Moortown, August 8th to 10th; 2002 - Blairgowrie, Lansdowne, August 7th to 9th.

Boys Championship: 1999 - Royal St David's, August 9th to 14th; 2000 - Hillside, August 14th to 19th; 2001 - Ganton, August 13th to 18th; 2002 - Carnoustie, August 12th to 17th.

British Mid-Amateur Championship: 1999 - Walton Heath, August 11th to 15th; 2000 - Royal Troon, August 16th to 20th; 2001 - Seaton Carew, August 15th to 19th; 2002 - Formby, August 14th to 18th.

Walker Cup: 1999 - Nairn, September 11th and 12th; 2001 - Ocean Forest, Sea Island, Georgia, August 11th and 12th.

Eisenhower Trophy: 2000 - Berlin, August 31st to September 3rd; 2002 - Malaysia (dates to be announced).