The R&A insist it remains “some distance” from being able to stage the Open Championship in Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951.

Rumours of the Open returning to Royal Portrush have been circulating for some time, with reports on Sunday claiming a deal had been done for 2019, 68 years after Max Faulkner won the only Open staged outside England and Scotland.

However, the R&A’s statement subsequently released read: “As part of our commitment to examine the feasibility of staging an Open Championship at Portrush, the R&A continues to discuss this at a conceptual level with Royal Portrush Golf Club and the Northern Ireland Executive.

“Discussions have been positive but we are still some distance from being in a position to take the Open to Northern Ireland.” Despite the R&A’s stance, it is understood negotiations with Portrush are very well advanced and tourism minister Arlene Foster said: “Obviously if the R&A does make a decision to put Royal Portrush on the rota it will be a tremendous thing for Northern Ireland and a very positive sign we are moving confidently on and I think we want to send that message out.’’ Tragedy struck the European Tour this week when caddy Ian MacGregor, 52, died of a heart attack.

Zimbabwean MacGregor, known as ‘Zim Mac’ and caddy for Scotland’s Alistair Forsyth, suffered cardiac arrest on the 9th fairway while the players competed in the Madeira Islands Open.

In a statement, the European Tour said: ”It is with great sadness and deep regret that we report the untimely passing of caddie Ian MacGregor during play on the final day of the Madeira Islands Open – Portugal – BPI.

German shows great sportsmanship as pair battled for golf’s unofficial fifth major Martin Kaymer continued his good recent run of form with a victory in last week’s players championship. With a boisterous home crowd cheering for the 20-year-old American Jordan Spieth, Kaymer did himself and Europe proud as hostilities ahead of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles heated up.

It was the first victory for Kaymer in over two years and he said that it felt like another major win to add to his PGA Championship in 2010.

European Tour; This week’s Open de Espana has attracted a better quality field but Sergio Garcia should be the winner come Sunday evening, even if his odds are very short : 5/1 Coming Soon: Demo Day from Cobra: Wednesday 21st May 2014 Book your appointment with expert fitters from Cobra, call the shop for more details.

Want to improve your distance, hit more greens, hole more putts then try our new range of demo clubs from all the leading brands at Enniskillen Golf Club free of charge.

For all the latest equipment offers check www.thegolfcabin.co.uk Liam Mc Cool, PGA Club Professional Enniskillen Golf Club, Castlecoole 028 66325250