There are 62 Irish clubs among a record entry of 456 for the Rules of Golf inter-club quiz sponsored by Royal & Sun Alliance. The competition started in Britain in 1995 and was extended to Ireland last year when Royal Co Down got to the final.

They have entered again as have two more of last year's Irish regional winners, Cork (South West) and Roscommon (Mid-Ireland). Competition for places was obviously tough in Kilternan (Dublin regional champions) as they have decided to enter two teams this time.

The first round will be completed by the end of May with the ultimate goal of a place in the overall final which will be staged in the R & A clubhouse in St Andrews next November.