Howard is treated for leukaemia

Barclay Howard, the leading amateur in the Open at Royal Troon, is suffering from leukaemia. The 44-year-old Walker Cup golfer, who is being treated in hospital in Glasgow, had a biopsy yesterday and will start a course of chemotherapy later in the week.

The news stunned players as they gathered at Burnham and Berrow in Somerset for today's four-cornered amateur home international championship.

Howard has enjoyed his most successful season to date, winning his first national title - the Scottish stroke-play crown - and capturing the silver medal as leading amateur at the Open. Two years ago he figured in the successful Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup side.