Rory dodges Nadia Forde questions

Rory McIlroy has been linked romantically with Irish model and singer Nadia Forde. But when asked about the 24-year old beauty’s narrow escape from a horrific car crash near Manchester on Sunday, he gave no hint of a dash to her hospital bedside.

“Yeah, I saw that she was (in an accident),” McIlroy said sheepishly. “And, yeah, obviously if anyone's in a car crash, you're glad to see that they're okay. 

“But, yeah, obviously it was a pretty scary incident. Yeah, everything's good.”

Forde Twas driving her tiny Fiat 500 Abarth sports car to meet up with friends in Manchester but lost control in bad weather and it ended up in the central reservation after flipping over several times.

She was treated for concussion and spent a night in hospital before being released.

What would he be if I wasn't a golfer? "Probably a drunk!"

Darren Clarke tried his best for the kids but while he's changed physically, the old Darren still made an appearance.

The 2011 Open champ was presented with the 'Spirit of Golf Award' for his contribution to inspiring a generation of young golfers by the Golf Foundation at Hoylake.

But before he received a crystal decanter in the shape of a Claret Jug, he answered questions from a handful of youngsters who’d come to see their hero.

Asked what he’d be if he weren’t a golfer, the Dungannon man said: “Probably a drunk.”

We’re not sure that’s exactly the kind of career advice the Golf Foundation had in mind but Clarke went on to tell the kids exactly why golf is a great game — it teaches you honesty and manners.

Lowry loves a fry up

Shane Lowry has all the home comforts in the house he’s rented for himself and his family this week.

But his dad Brendan isn’t just an All Ireland champion at Gaelic football, he’s also a dab hand in the kitchen.

His speciality? Breakfast.

Lowry Snr has it all in hand this week: “Tullamore sausages, bacon, fresh eggs…”

Spanish feeling nostalgic

What are the odds a Spanish winner of the Open this week?

The bookies have Sergio Garcia at 25/1, Miguel Angel Jimenez 80/1 and Rafael Cabrera Bello and Pablo Larrazabal at 125s.

With Hoylake the scene for Seve Ballesteros’ Open appearance in 2006, the four amigos would love to pay homage to the maestro with a win.

“We miss him a lot,” Garcia said.  “He’s in a better place now, looking down from up there. If any of us could win it would be so special.”

Dazza’s tips

Darren Clarke had his tipster’s hat on yesterday and he might just be on a winner with one of his seven picks.

“Rory McIlroy, will be there,” he said. “Martin Kaymer played very well at the US Open and Graeme McDowell won in France.

“Then there’s Justin Rose who is playing fantastic, and I think Lee Westwood is due a good week.

“Sergio Garcia has played very well all year and Tiger, you can never write him off. It all depends on the weather and getting the luck of the draw.”