Six-time champion Des Smyth has no chance of making it a magnificent seven at Westport this week ­ he says so himself.

The defending Irish PGA champion reckons it will be almost impossible to get past the likes of Ryder Cup star Paul McGinley in the Smurfit sponsored event this time around.

"I really haven't played enough this season to be competitive," he said. "I've played in just four tournaments and I'm really quite rusty.

"When I won at Castlerock it was October and I had a whole season behind me, but it will be very different this year

"My game is not quite as sharp as I would like it to be and against guys of the calibre of Paul or Darren it's going to be very difficult to compete."

Last year Smyth insisted that whoever beat McGinley would win the title. He was right.

But he was also accused later of some gentle gamesmanship and 'psychological warfare'.

"Yes," he admitted. "They say I was trying to put pressure on Paul mentally but nothing of the sort. These guys ­ Paul, Darren or Padraig ­ are world class players and I just played well at the right moments in the final round and got my nose in front."

He added with a chuckle: "But after watching the US Masters I can tell you that whoever beats any of those guys this time will definitely win."

Smyth has never played Westport but he is looking forward to the chance to compete in a top class field and play himself into form for the rest of the season.

The 48 year old from Drogheda kicked off his season at the Dubai Desert Classic but missed the cut before improving dramatically he following week in the Qatar Masters.

The man from Mornington finished four under for a share of 42nd place before heading to Madeira to defend his title in the Madeira Island Open.

Smyth finished 18th in high winds and it is his wind battling qualities that could stand to him at exposed Westport.

One of the longest surviving players on the European Tour, Smyth became the oldest winner in Tour history during his 28th consecutive season in 2001.

His win in the Madeira Island Open at the age of 48 years and 34 days ­ made him 20 days older than the previous oldest champion, Neil Coles.

Twice a Ryder Cup player, he was also a member of Irish team, which won the Alfred Dunhill Cup in 1988.

Having turn 49 on February 13 last, Smyth is now looking to the Senior ranks and he is likely to attempt to qualify for the US Senior Tour.

"It's something I'd like to try," he said. "But it know that it isn't going to be easy and Christy O'Connor Junior has told me that the standard is very high."

Christy O'Connor Senior won 10 Irish titles. Portmarnock's Harry Bradshaw won six. Should he win this week, Smyth would overtake 'the Brad' in the title stakes.

The history books await.

Top

© Brian Keogh 2002

Back to Golf