TEAM captain Mick Craddock is adopting a "professional" approach to Ireland's quest to regain the European Amateur Team Championship at Portmarnock on June 25th-29th. So much so, in fact, that a large portion of the Irish panel underwent further familiarisation with the famous north Dublin links last weekend.

With no teams allowed to practice on the course a full month prior to competition, the two day exercise was invaluable to Ireland's preparations and, possibly, the last occasion they'll be able to player masse before official practice.

Eight players - Garth McGimpsey, Peter Lawrie, Adrian Morrow, Noel Fox, Andrew McCormick, Ken Kearney, John Morris and Jody Fanagan - participated. Pat Murray, who is commencing exams, and Bryan Omelia, nursing a neck strain, were unavailable, while Richie Coughlan and Keith Nolan are due to return home shortly from their scholarships in the United States.

Craddock said: "I'm very happy with the way the guys are playing.

I feel strongly that we have to prepare hard; you only get out what you put in. I'm aware that Sweden, France, Scotland and England have all been over here to test the Portmarnock links and the only way forward is for us to adopt a similar approach. I'm very pleased, though, with the way things went last weekend and at the squad session in Portugal earlier on this season.

However, he stressed that the actual formation of the sixman team won't be chosen until after the upcoming East of Ireland at Baltray and the Irish Open stroke play at Fota Island.

Omelia, incidentally, will taste further international competition this weekend when he plays in the Brabazon Trophy at Staunton. The Newlands player will be accompanied by Gweedore's Ciaran McMonagle.

Meanwhile, youths internationals Tim Rice and Ricky Elliot have earned selection on the Mid American Conference Regional Team after impressive performances in last week's NCAA regional championship at the famous Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

Limerick's Rice shared first place in the individual competition which was curtailed to 54 holes due to adverse weather conditions.

. Sixteen year old Thomas Grindle, playing off 18, left the field standing in the weekly competition at Ballybofey and Stranorlar when he scored a superb 49 points. He was cut four shots for his trouble.

. Kieran Corcoran and Derek Vard, the defending champions, will attempt to hold on to the Scotch foursomes title, sponsored by General Accident, in the host club when the popular competition commences at Foxrock next Sunday. There are 128 players competing in the event.

. The Mixed Foursomes matchplay competition at Skerries, sponsored by Bank of Ireland, will take place with qualifying on May 24th and the top 32 pairs going forward to the matchplay stages with the final scheduled for May 31st.

. Fifteen year old Michael Walsh demonstrated his talent when he defied blustery conditions to fire a nett 77 in Ballinrobe's qualifying round for the Weetabix Golf Foundation Age Group championship and, along with Niall Loughrey (Under 16) and Dara Keane (Under 14), he will now compete in the Irish finals at Tullamore on June 25th.

. Former Irish international Denise McCarthy inspired Woodenbridge to a surprise win in the Midlands District Senior Cup at Tullamore which qualified them for the All Ireland finals at Glasson on June 28th-29th.