Portmarnock golfer James Fox was crowned North of Ireland champion after a countback in fading light at Royal Portrush late on Friday evening.

AIG Irish Close champion Rob Moran said he is seeing better results from his game as he took the lead after the opening round of the North of Ireland.

Castle Captain Archie McEvoy said the experience of having Rob Moran and Alex Gleeson helped but it was a massive team effort as they claimed the AIG Men’s Senior Cup at Dun Laoghaire.

Royal Portrush Captain Colin McElderry says it was unbelievable to reach the semi-final of the AIG Men’s Senior Cup as the club look to make history in the blistering heat at Dun Laoghaire.

In form Emma Fleming and the up and coming Sean Keeling were winners of the 36-hole Scratch Cups at Royal Portrush.

Construction is now in full swing at Dunluce Lodge, the north coast’s first 5-star hotel & spa.

The 150th Open at St Andrews will be the largest in the Championship’s long history with a record-breaking 290,000 fans set to attend at the world-renowned Old Course from 10-17 July.

Many of Ireland’s top amateurs are to play at Royal Portrush next month in a major new one-day 36-hole stroke competition for men and women.

Rory McIlroy might have kissed his hopes of Open glory goodbye at Royal St George’s but he could get a chance to lift the Claret Jug again on home soil as soon an 2025.