A Round at St Andrews with David Humphreys

On a day that offers Ireland it's first chance at Grand Slam glory in 61 years, it seems only fair to reminisce about a round of golf with one of it's most successful ever No. 10's - David Humphreys. Throughout periods of national unrest, the two gentlemanly pursuits of rugby and golf were the only two mainstream sports to compete under the umbrella of 'Ireland' with no shame or ridicule. Representing your country at either one of these two disciplines was far more important than any political sway. Both are great examples of true amateur competition - 100% commitment shown during the game, but the decency to pull on a blazer afterwards and have a drink with your opponent. Win, lose or draw.

David is a very genuine and likeable fella, but one of these annoying people that are naturally blessed with an inbuilt talent for many sports. "What do you play off these days?", I asked on the first tee of The Old Course. "Probably 6 or 8, but I haven't played in quite a while", he replied.

It was probably about the stage when he lipped out on the tenth green to go three-under that I realised I had been sold one of his trademark dummies. In fact, had it not been for an errant tee-shot on the long fourteenth he would have surely broken par on his Old Course debut.

Although winning over 70 caps for Ireland, I'd say David's finest hour was guiding Ulster to an unlikely European Cup triumph in 1999 at Lansdowne Road. I was lucky enough to be in the terraces that fateful afternoon in Dublin, and to witness one of the great sporting moments in the history of Ulster Rugby will last with me forever. The slice on 14 will probably stay in David's mind for quite some time too.