JOHN CLANCY set a new course record at Howth Golf Club on Sunday with a one under par 71 (nett 65) which featured three birdies and just two bogeys. Indeed, after suffering back to back bogeys at the fourth and fifth holes, Clancy covered the remaining stretch in three under par.

A front nine which produced 24 points enabled 25 year old Orla MacCarville (in her first year out of student category and currently a women's associate) to take captain Brendan McDonald's prize of a necklace at Elm Park. Playing off 12, Orla returned 39 points which included a near flawless front nine of two birdies and six pars.

AN example of how enterprising clubs can work together to increase business - and provide enticing offers to golfers - is the new co venture between Woodstock, Limerick County and Dromoland. For a £5 registration fee, any individual can play at any of the three courses day during the year.

CARLOW Golf Club plan to turn their Open week into a Festival of Golf. With a prizefund of £6,000, the week begins next Thursday and will involve a number of overseas competitors as well as a large number from the southeast and midland regions.