Des Smyth is due home from the US this morning, having brought a memorable season to a sparkling conclusion at Kiawah Island at the weekend.

The 48-year-old from Mornington had a 100 per cent record from three matches when representing the Rest of the World in the inaugural UBS Warburg Cup.

But Smyth's splendid contribution failed to stem the tide of a dramatic singles comeback by the US, who were led to a 12 1/2-11 1/2 victory by irrepressible skipper, Arnold Palmer.

"From my point of view, it was a wonderful experience in every respect, except the result," said Smyth yesterday.

"I felt greatly privileged simply to have been part of it all and it was terrific that I happened to play well. It must be 15 years since I last played in the States - in a Spalding-sponsored event - and to come back here in these circumstances has been really special."

As it happened, his reward of $100,000 as a member of the beaten team was the same as he received when Ireland won the Dunhill Cup in 1988.

Tournament director, Peter German, confirmed yesterday that the sponsors are committed to the event for five years. The original plan was to alternate sites between the US and the rest of the world, but no decision has been made about next year.

"We saw a competition here that was as tough as you could get," said Palmer, who beat Gary Player in the clash of captains, by 2 and 1. "And we saw camaraderie on both teams. And that's just what we wanted to see."

Twelve-man teams each comprised six established senior players and six players aged between 40 and 49. It was on the latter basis that Smyth received an invitation which made him the only Irish golfer ever to play for a Rest of the World line-up.

By way of response, he combined with Rest of the World skipper, Player, in a 3 and 2 foursomes win last Friday over Palmer and Mark O'Meara. Then, in Saturday's fourballs, Smyth and Player won a fourball battle with Palmer and Dana Quigley, by two holes.

Indicative of Smyth's splendid play in that match was an eagle three at the long 11th and birdies on the 16th and 18th.

Outstanding putting with his trusty broomhandle was also a feature of his play in Sunday's 4 and 3 singles over former US Ryder Cup player Loren Roberts and he was four under par for the 15 holes.

Gradually, however, the Americans recovered from a 7-5 overnight deficit and the decisive point was gained by veteran Raymond Floyd who birdied the last from eight feet to beat Senior British Open champion, Ian Stanley.

Another significant point came from Mark Calcavecchia who, en route to victory over Wales' Ian Woosnam, parred the short 17th where he had run up a horrible six against Colin Montgomerie in the Ryder Cup 10 years ago.

Smyth, whose victory in the Madeira Island Open last March made him the oldest winner in the history of the European Tour, has always been an accomplished match player.

His European breakthrough was achieved in the Matchplay Championship of 1979 when he beat Nick Price in the final. Later, he had some memorable wins in the Dunhill Cup, notably against such outstanding opponents as Jose-Maria Olazabal of Spain and England's Nick Faldo.

He also has an admirable Ryder Cup record. On his last appearance in 1981, against a US side rated to be the best in the history of the event, he came away with two points.

It was 18 years before another Irish player, Darren Clarke, matches this at Brookline.

In the opening series of foursomes at Walton Heath, Smyth and Bernard Gallacher beat the formidable pairing of Hale Irwin and Floyd by 3 and 2. Then, in the afternoon fourballs, he partnered Jose-Maria Canizares to a 6 and 5 thrashing of Bruce Lietzke and the then reigning British Open champion, Bill Rogers.

"It was great to meet guys like Ray and Hale again after all these years," said Smyth.

"And after the way things went at the weekend, who knows, I might get another chance."

After his birthday next February, he will still be eligible for the grouping of 40 to 49 years. Then, 12 months later he will be heading into senior ranks with considerable prospects of success, based on recent form.