By their own high standards, Co Louth officials concede that the course will be somewhat below par for the East of Ireland championship starting this morning.

But it is still certain to present a fair and worthy challenge for a field of 156, including six selected youths.

"An unusually wet winter followed by a late spring has left us three or four weeks behind schedule in course presentation," said secretary/manager Michael Delany yesterday. "But the grounds staff have worked hard to try and bridge the seasonal gap."

There was further disappointment for the organisers, however, in the withdrawal yesterday of Jody Fanagan, who - like several leading colleagues including Noel Fox, Michael Hoey, Timmy Rice and Andrew McCormick - has opted for the British Amateur which starts at Prestwick on Monday.

The handicap limit has gone from an exact 1.9 to 2.1. Still, the field remains admirably strong, especially with the inclusion of Ken Kearney, who set a record aggregate of 277 when capturing the title two years ago.

Though the champion is missing, one of last year's prize-winners will be back in action. Justin Kehoe of Birr and UCD was the leading youth last year when he returned an aggregate of 292 which, interestingly, allowed him to share sixth place with Kearney.