Lyle's team get the edge on Rose's combination

Pro-Am: Perfect conditions greeted the 53 teams that teed up for yesterday's pro-am at the Smurfit European Open at The K Club.

Sunshine and a gentle breeze greeted the combatants on the beautifully manicured parkland North Course. Slick greens made hitting the wrong side of the pin extremely punitive, however.

Former US Masters champion Sandy Lyle brought home the winning team of John O'Callaghan, Ashley Balbirnie and Jim Bradley. Their back nine of 31 saw them edge past the Justin Rose-inspired quartet that included JP McManus, Dermot Desmond and John Magnier.

The first four teams all managed to shoot 12-under-par 60s, with the order being decided on back nine, back three and back six holes respectively.

Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy crept into the prizes following a play-off. Led by professional Adam Mednick, the team was forced to go to extra holes after tying with the team of Eduardo Romero on 62, having also shared the same scores for the back nine, back six, back three and final hole.

DETAILS: 1 S Lyle with J O'Callaghan, A Balbirnie, J Bradley 60 (back nine); 2 J Rose with D Desmond, JP McManus, J Magnier 60 (last three); 3 J Sandelin with S Wilkund, M Moreira Dos Santos, P Doyle 60 (last three); 4 M McNulty with C Haugh, J Treacy, H O'Neil 60 (back three); 5 P Price with P Lynch, D Lynch, P O'Sullivan 61; 6 B Dredge with J Horan, K Marley, D McKenna 61; 7 B Langer with J Flower, T Jenkinson, G Keane 61; 8 A Mednick with C McCreevey, D O'Rourke, J Creaney.