McGinley off to slowish start

Paul McGinley's early-season odyssey in South Africa, where he played in the opening two tournaments of the PGA European Tour, consolidated his position in the Ryder Cup standings but didn't give him the jump start he had sought.

The Dubliner has moved up to 18th position (from 20th prior to the new season) in Europe's Ryder Cup standings - which will be finalised after the BMW International in Munich on August 22nd - with 861 points, although the fact that non-counting players Ernie Els and David Frost, both from South Africa, won the opening two events means that those who delayed their seasonal debuts are probably the real winners in that particular race which is a marathon rather than a sprint.

This week, the European Tour moves to Perth for the Heineken Classic and only two Irishmen, Padraig Harrington, who holds the course record on The Vines, and John McHenry will be in action. However, a number of other Irish professionals are in action in the Far East where Bryan Omelia, Peter Lawrie and Richie Coughlan are playing in Myanmar (formerly Burma) on the Omega Asian Tour.

Meanwhile, Irish supporters intending to visit the British Open at Carnoustie this year have until the end of this month to avail of a maximum discount on season tickets. Until the end of January, a season ticket costs Stg£75, almost a 50 per cent discount on the cost of daily admission for the practice and tournament days. All applications should be made to: The Ticket Office, R&A, St Andrews, Fif KY16 9JD, Scotland.

As things stand, Darren Clarke, who has moved up to 16th place in the latest world rankings, is the lone Irishman in the US Masters at Augusta National on April 8th11th. Arnold Palmer is expected to play for the 45th consecutive year which would establish a record (he currently stands equal with Sam Snead), but Jack Nicklaus, who is due to enter hospital tomorrow for hip surgery, will end a streak of 40 consecutive appearances.