Leona Maguire hones in on World No 1 ranking - jumps 29 spots to No 2
Slieve Russell's Leona Maguire is on track to become the first Irish woman to reach No 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
McIlroy makes history as first Irishman to reach World No 2
Rory McIlroy is the new world No 2. With permission from Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, it appears to be only a matter of time before he is No 1. Picture www.golffile.ieRory McIlroy created another piece of golfing history in far-flung China on Sunday when he finished fourth in the WGC-HSBC Champions to leapfrog Lee Westwood and become the first Irishman to reach No 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Iceland next up for Ireland
Following a 3-2 win over Portugal, Ireland will face Iceland in their bid to finish ninth in the European Amateur Team Championships at Conwy in Wales.
At the pointy end of the tournament, Norway, England, Scotland and Italy made it through to the semi-finals.
The Scots and Norwegians both came back from 2-0 deficits in the morning foursomes to beat Sweden and Finland respectively. England beat France 4.5 to 2.5 and Italy ousted Germany 5.5 to 1.5
As for Ireland, they should not underestimate the Icelanders, who beat hosts Wales 3-2.
Their dangermen are Olafur Loftsson and Sigmundur Masson, ranked 1,200th and 2,210th respectively in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
Which begs the question: Do the World Amateur Golf Rankings count for much?
McIlroy is world No 1 amateur
Rory McIlroy is on top of the world again after his sudden death win in the Grey Goose Cup in Spain.
The Holywood starlet, 17, joined Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia on the list of winners of the former Sherry Cup after a dramatic duel with Norway's Marius Thorp at Sotogrande.
McIlroy now looks certain to regain his place at the top of the World Amateur Rankings before making his 10th appearance in a pro event in this week's Portuguese Open on the European Tour.