A record number of golfing tourists is expected in Ireland in 1998, but, unfortunately, this country is no longer on the golfing itinerary of the Sun Microsystems Longest Day Challenge.

For the past few years, various sporting celebrities have included Royal Dublin as one of their destinations in the one-day marathon. Not this year. Instead, former world snooker champion Dennis Taylor, and rugby players Jeremy Guscott and Gavin Hastings, will endeavour to play four rounds of golf in four different countries at Hardelot (France), Frilford Heath (England), Celtic Manor (Wales) and Dalmahoy (Scotland).

The date for this year's venture is, once again, June 21st, the longest day of the year.