IRISH eyes were smiling for the third week in a row on the European Tourwhen Peter Lawrie beat home favourite Ignacio Garrido in a play-off at the Spanish Open.

Lawrie's maiden European Tour title - secured at the second extra hole thanks largely to a superb bunker shot - followed the breakthrough victory of his close friend and compatriot Damien McGrane at the Volvo China Open, and Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke's first win for two-and-a-half years at last week's BMW Asian Open.

But Lawrie was made to work hard for his victory in soaring temperatures in Seville.

Dubliner Lawrie said: "Hopefully this sets up the rest of the season nicely for me, and I can kick on now."

Meanwhile, Michael Hoey's one-shot victory at the Morroccan Classic on the European Challenge Tour made it a double for Ireland. Styal's David Horsey tied 49th.

MATTHEW Haines called the shots as the young guns claimed the high ground in the Lytham Trophy, the first major amateur strokeplay tournament of the season.

At 18, the reigning English Under 18 champion from Kent club Rochester and Cobham, is also the youngest winner of the trophy which dates back to 1965.