IRISH OPEN: Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter has apologised and paid what is believed to be a record-equalling £5,000 fine for a foul-mouthed outburst at the Irish Open at Carton House.
Poulter had lost his cool looking for his ball in the rough and had some equally rough words for a local marshal.
This week the Englishman spoke with European Tour chief executive George O'Grady at Wentworth. After discussing the incident, Poulter was, unusually, left to offer what he thought was an appropriate fine.
"It's as high as we've given to anybody," said O'Grady. "He suggested a figure, which I found acceptable.
"What he did is not condoned by the tour, and the most heartening thing is that it's not condoned by the players if they fall from the lofty ideals we set.
"We do not condone that kind of language, especially if it's in any way directed to the volunteers at a tournament. The volunteer support of the European Tour - all tours - is absolutely the bedrock.
"Ian Poulter approached me basically to apologise. He is in the process - it may even have arrived by now - of apologising to the chief marshal in Ireland, to all the Irish marshals saying how much he enjoys playing there, and regretting his swear words and his attitude.
RYDER CUP: European captain Ian Woosnam has decided to keep the same order of play for the Ryder Cup at The K Club in September.
In 1997, Seve Ballesteros switched things around by putting the fourballs first rather than foursomes, and that is the way Woosnam has chosen to go.
"We've done better in fourballs and the quicker we can get points on the board the better," said Woosnam after finishing his 500th European Tour event, at Wentworth, with a 70 and one-over-par total.
CHAMPIONS TOUR: American Jay Haas clinched his third consecutive title on the Champions Tour by winning the play-off at the Senior PGA Championship in Edmond, Oklahoma, yesterday.
The 52-year-old edged compatriot Brad Bryant at the third extra hole after the pair had finished level at five-under-par 279. Des Smyth shot a final round of 73 for a total of 294.
CHALLENGE TOUR: Frenchman Adrien Mörk ended his history-making week at the Moroccan Classic in victorious fashion to secure his first European Challenge Tour title. The 26-year-old, who posted the first 59 in European, Challenge and Seniors Tour history on Friday, closed out his victory with a gutsy par on the Golf du Soleil's notoriously tough par three 18th to secure a cheque for €20,800.
LET: England's Laura Davies fell just short of snatching victory as Italy's Veronica Zorzi successfully defended the Vediorbis French Open in a drama-packed finish at Arras Golf Club in France.
Rebecca Coakley shot 75 for a final total of 292.
