26th July 2000

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The first day's play in the World University Golf Championships taking place at Castlerock this week got under way yesterday with Ireland and the Great Britain teams taking an early lead in the mens', and Taiwan in the ladies' competition.

Weather at the north coast seaside venue remained good, but the dry ground and burned earth added to the speed and difficulty of the course.

"Things have gone really well so far," said tournament director John Hanna. "We have had a couple of teething troubles, but you expect that in any tournament."

The sandy, hilly course at Castlerock is proving tricky for many of the young golfers, unaccustomed to playing in such variable terrain.

"It's so up and down - and they're not realy used to this kind of golf," said Hanna. "You get very difficult lies. The green are hard, there's no watering. And when the fairways are so dry, you get all sorts of unusual bounces from the ball.

"This kind of golf is a real surprise for the young competitors. They're learning that not all golf courses are about lush green fairways and electric golf carts. But if they want to become an Open champion some day, this is the kind of course they have to master.

" It's a real discovery for many of the young players - and they're absolutely fascinated," added Mr Hanna.

Top score of the first day was a 69 from Irish Champion Graham McDowell closely followed by Swiss Alexandre Curchod and Briton Simon Robinson on 70

Further information is on the competition website.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk