GOLF:An Irish Open Miscellany compiled by PHILIP REID

Practice perfection

CHRIS WOOD – third here last year – has, at 6 feet 4 inches, the distinction of being the tallest player in the field. And the Englishman is hoping that some of Darren Clarke’s touch can rub off on him this week after playing a practice round yesterday with the new British Open champion. “He’s good with me. Being part of ISM with Chubby Chandler, having a couple of guys there with Lee (Westwood’s) and Darren’s experience is invaluable, being able to play a few holes with them every now and again,” said Wood, who has experienced Ulster caddie Dave McNeilly on his bag.

As for Clarke? After his practice round, he sought some peace and quiet by fishing on the lake.

Monty and Lawrie withdraw

AS THE old lotto motto goes, if you’re not in, you can’t win . . . and two Scottish players saw their hopes of adding the Irish Open trophy – a beautiful piece of Waterford Crystal – to their career collections ended before they ever got started when forced out by injury. Colin Montgomerie withdrew with an Achilles’ tendon injury and former British Open champion Paul Lawrie exited with a back injury. Their withdrawals meant call-ups into the field for Denmark’s Thomas Norret and England’s Steve Lewton.

'Wear the laces'

DON’T ACCUSE Pádraig Harrington of a clash of colours when he turns up over the next four days with red shoe laces . . . it’s an intentional decision, to raise awareness for the Special Olympics. The Dubliner is a global ambassador for the organisation since May of last year and has actually conducted a number of training sessions with athletes and coaches. The “Wear The Laces” campaign will see Harrington wear the psychedelic red laces throughout the tournament and the three-timeMajor champion will also be the face of the movement’s upcoming new sports resources website where he will front a recruitment campaign aimed at securing more Special Olympics’ golf coaches.