British Open news in brief

Seve’s message is full of emotion

“HE was Tiger before Tiger was Tiger” – Ernie Els on the impact made by Seve Ballesteros in popularising golf. The Spaniard was unable to take up an invitation to attend St Andrews for this week’s championship, but he did send an emotional video message which was played at the Champions’ Dinner on Tuesday night.

All of the past champions present were given a present by the RA to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Open: a replica of the belt originally awarded to the winners until it was won outright by Old Tom Morris.

Maybin’s memory no garden of Eden

GARETH Maybin could be forgiven if he used some extra head protection for his maiden appearance in the British Open.

When the Ulsterman competed in the St Andrews Links Trophy over the Old Course in 2004, he was hit by a stray ball from the adjoining Eden Course as he stood on the 12th tee.

“Thank goodness there’s nobody playing on the Eden during the Open,” said Maybin, who is becoming a regular at the majors this season following after playing all four rounds at last month’s US Open.

Known for his steady play tee-to-green, Maybin claimed: “A links course doesn’t suit my game as much as parkland. You have to be creative, and going into this week I’ve been preparing for that.”

By the numbers

Most victories: 6 – Harry Vardon 1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1911, 1914 Most successive victories: 4 – Young Tom Morris 1868-1872 (no championship in 1871)

Most runner-up finishes: 7 – Jack Nicklaus 1964, 1967, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1977, 1979

Won on debut: 9 – Willie Park Snr (1860), Tom Kidd (1873), Mungo Park (1874), Jock Hutchison (1921), Denny Shute (1933), Ben Hogan (1953), Tony Lema (1964), Tom Watson (1975), Ben Curtis (2003).

Irish in the field

Darren Clarke

Age: 41

World ranking: 104th

Tour wins: 14

Pádraig Harrington

Age: 38

World ranking: 15

Tour wins: 16

Shane Lowry

Age: 23

World ranking: 88

Tour wins: 1

Gareth Maybin

Age: 29

World ranking: 121

Tour wins: 1

Graeme McDowell

Age: 30

World ranking: 11

Tour wins: 6

Rory McIlroy

Age: 21

World ranking: 9

Tour wins: 2

Colm Moriarty

Age: 31

World ranking: 627

Tour wins: 1 (Challenge Tour)