On July 14th, 1973, after a final round of 70, Tom Weiskopf captured the British Open at Troon. From an Irish standpoint, this particular Open was memorable for the performance of Christy O'Connor Snr who, at 48, was tied seventh after an aggregate of 288 - 12 strokes behind Weiskopf. It was to be O'Connor's last top-10 finish in a championship which eluded his great talents. He made a further six appearances, however, before calling a halt after Royal Lytham in 1979, when he was 35th behind Seve Ballesteros.

Footnote: John Lambe, secretary/manager of Royal Dublin, informs me that from January 1997 until the 25th of last month, 31 holes-in-one have been recorded on the links - six at the 173-yard 4th; seven at the 176-yard ninth; eight at the 189-yard 12th and 10 at the 178-yard sixth.

Teaser: A player could not find his ball. Believing the ball might be lodged in a tree, he shook the tree and his ball fell to the ground. He played the ball from where it came to rest. What is the ruling?

Answer: The player incurred one penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a for moving his ball. He should have replaced the ball. Since he did not do so, in matchplay he lost the hole and in strokeplay he incurred a total penalty of two strokes.