ROYAL BIRKDALE TEE ROOM

SCOTTISH AMATEUR Connor Syme, partnered with John ‘Wild Thing’ Daly in the opening two rounds here, was asked what he remembered about the American’s career. ‘I was about 10 days old when he won his Open at St Andrews in ’95, so not very much . . . ’

PATRICK REED played the part of pantomime villain at the 2014 Ryder Cup but the brash American says he loves the British crowds. ‘It seems like every time I come over here the fans are always awesome and cheering me on,’ said Reed.

NOT even being a past champion guarantees you a spot on the 25-bay practice range. Padraig Harrington found this out the hard way, as he walked on, couldn’t find a space and had to settle for taking wedges to the short-game area.

KENNY DALGLISH deserves a medal for bravery after picking up a tiny tot, dripping ice cream and all, to pose for a photo. The risk to his golfing gear alone made his willingness to embrace the young lad an act of some valour.