Six Irishmen are among the 120 entrants for the European amateur individual golf championship at Bordeaux today. Noel Fox (24) is the most experienced of the Irish contingent and is joined by Gary Cullen (22) from the Belvoir club, Ricky Elliott, a 21-year-old from Royal Portrush, Paddy Gribben a 28-year-old plus 3-handicapper from Warrenpoint, teenager Michael Hoey and Bryan Omelia. All are talented players who could make an impact in this four-day contest over 72 holes.

All four home countries are well represented and there is added spice to the championship as the British selectors will soon name their Eisenhower Trophy team to play in Chile in November.