When the British Senior Open ends next Sunday, a four-year contract will have been completed with Royal Portrush GC. But the championship will not be moving far. I understand that a three-year contract has been signed with Royal Co Down, taking the event up to 2003.

It is believed that a move from one celebrated Northern Ireland venue to another will secure the popularity of the championship. And in a fascinating development, the plan is to switch the Newcastle nines, so that competitors will end their rounds with the most stunning view in links golf.

Meanwhile, the enduring popularity of Portrush can be gauged from the presence there this week of Gary Player, Tony Jacklin, Tommy Horton and Brian Barnes. Leading Irish challengers will be Christy O'Connor Jnr, David Jones and Eddie Polland, who have all been winners this season.

The decision follows the successful staging of the British Amateur in Newcastle six weeks ago.