Two of the outstanding amateur events in these islands will be linked this year by a common sponsor. Standard Life have embarked on a three-year support of the West of Ireland Championship, which fills its customary Easter position in the calendar, from April 13th to 17th at Rosses Point.

Details of the championship were announced in Dublin yesterday, and apart from a strong local entry, the field will include competitors from the UK, Scandinavia and the US.

Launched in 1923, the "West" is a relative newcomer compared with the Standard Life Leven Gold Medal in Fife. With an inauguration in 1870, the Leven tournament is regarded as the oldest amateur event in the world.