Putting techniques became a key element of the Guinness-sponsored Links Society Outing on ideal greens at Baltray yesterday. From a shotgun start, professionals totally dominated the scoring with Des Smyth best after a six-under-par 67.

Back with the short putter after an extended spell with the broomhandle, Smyth had only 29 putts while carding seven birdies, including three-in-a-row from the fourth. "I've been playing very nicely lately and, though it's only social golf, I'm very pleased with my game," he said. An honorary life member of Co Louth, Smyth clearly enjoyed familiar terrain. Crisp iron shots were always in evidence and impressive putting delivered five successful birdie efforts of between eight and 20 feet. His only bogey resulted from a pulled drive at the eighth.