Irish Open invites for Fox and Caldwell

Former Walker Cup stars Noel Fox and Jonny Caldwell have been handed sponsor's invitations for next week's 3 Irish Open.

The pair join Baltray veteran Des Smyth, two-time major winner John Daly, Welsh starlet Rhys Davies and Italian big hitter Emanuele Canonica on the invitation list at Baltray.

Canonica made headlines at Augusta National last month when he caddied for close friend Jose Maria Olazabal in the Masters.

The Italian, 38, has been relying on invitations this year after losing his card at the end of last season but will take on his "boss"  at County Louth as he bids to win back his playing rights.

Challenge Tour player Fox, 35, has yet to make the cut this season after three starts.

But he has a brilliant record at Baltray, where he won the East of Ireland Amateur title in 1996, 2000 and 2002.

Q-School graduate Caldwell is 292nd in the Race to Dubai but will move up this week after making just his second cut of the season in the Italian Open yesterday.

The Clandeboye ace birdied his final three holes to card a three under 68 and trail clubhouse leader Daniel Vancsik (65) by six shots on three under.

Gary Murphy finished on level par after carding an eagle, three birdies, three bogeys and a triple bogey eight in a one over 72.

Overnight leader Gareth Maybin is just a shot behind Vancsik on eight under after a 70 but Darren Clarke missed the cut after a 75 left him on seven over. 

Michael McGeady also shot a fine 68 to tie for 25th place with Caldwell on three-under.