Paddy Murphy, the outgoing chairman of the Leinster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland, warned players with "cheap handicaps" and those considered "ruthless pot-hunters" that the provincial body would continue to tackle such bandits.

Speaking at the Leinster annual general meeting at Westmanstown last night, Murphy, who will now progress to president-elect of the union, stated: "We will make every effort to catch the golfing cheats who attempt to short cut the system."

Indeed, later, a motion proposed by the provincial council to force players competing in a number of inter-club competitions to return a minimum number of cards in singles competitions, was carried almost unanimously.