The Murphy's Irish Open really I kicked off on Tuesday night when all the players and their partners gathered in Tinakilly House in Rathnew, Co Wicklow, a most welcoming 19th hole. Nick Faldo, who after three years on the US tour circuit likes to acclimatise himself on the Irish courses to be on good form for the English Open, arrived with new girlfriend Brenna Sepelak, while Bernard Langer came with Vikki Langer, his wife.
Seve Ballesteros was the unofficial man of the night as he was presented with honorary life membership of Devil's Glen Golf Course and generally feted all round. Carmen Ballesteros, his wife, is very fond of Ireland and was disappointed not to make the Open this year. There was much excitement about Jose Maria Olazabal who was making a come-back after injury, and likewise about Colin Montgomerie who, of course, won the tournament last year, and came to the party with two members of his support team, Judy Dalton and Caroline Kingston.
In the middle of the celebration, Stephen Tompkinson and Dervla Kirwan wandered in by accident. They were fresh from filming Ballykissangel and stayed on to enjoy the party, and promised to visit the Open during the week.
Other celebs that are going to try and make it are Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg, both avid golf fans, they are filming Saving Private Ryan in Co Wexford.
Wednesday was the Pro-Am day, and it was certainly a worthwhile day for snooker champion Ken Doherty. As well as having a good game of golf with GAA manager Mick O'Dwyer and 2FM's Des Cahill, he was given a free set of golf clubs when he went to check out the on-course golf shop. As the week wore on, politicians Charlie McCreevy and Dick Spring popped in, as did sports commentator Tracey Piggot and snooker star Alex Higgins.