GOLF:QUITE APART from the fact that the Irish Amateur Open championship, which gets under way at Royal Dublin Golf Club today, is an important event in its own right, there is an added incentive to impress in what is a Walker Cup year.

Indeed, many of those seeking to attract the eye of the selectors for that Britain and Ireland team to face the United States at Royal Aberdeen in September are in action on the Bull Island links, among them the three Irish representatives in the initial squad: Paul Cutler, Alan Dunbar and Florida-based Kevin Phelan.

Of course, the onus is on other potential Walker Cup players to forced their way into contention and in this regard Dermot McElroy and Jeff Hopkins will be among those hoping to prove a point or two.

The standard of entry is exceptionally high this year, with Denmark’s Lucas Justra Bjerregaard with the lowest handicap in the field at plus-six. Cutler, playing off a plus-four handicap, is the leading Irish player. With free entry to the championship for spectators, this event represents a marvellous opportunity for golf fans to see future tour players.