THERE are few golfers more affable than the American, Rich Beem.

However, the Eagle has been alarmed at the 2002 US PGA champion's fall from grace in recent times.

This week he missed the cut with a nine-over par total of 151 and his 2005 PGA Tour record shows that he has failed to make a dozen cuts this season already.

Whatever can be wrong?

Could it perhaps be the putting yips or possibly even driving problems?

I fear that the Eagle may have stumbled across the answer to this poser while wetting its beak in the Castle Inn on Saturday evening.

Perched at the bar was a very merry looking Mr Beem, clearly with thoughts of how to arrest his recent decline far from his mind.

Though the bold Beemer clearly has issues with too many bogeys in his game, he seemed to be getting along just fine with the birdies in that fine hostelry.

HAVING said all of that about Mr Beem, it is suddenly upon the Eagle's memory to recall the strange case of one Steve Elkington, the Australian golfer who, at the 2003 Open at Muirfield, took a quite stupendous liking to drinking each evening in the Auld Hoose pub in North Berwick.

The Eagle was usually in there each evening along with a number of other parched colleagues when, on the bell of eight o'clock, who should arrive but Mr Elkington.

It goes without saying that, on each recurring night, Elkington duly quenched himself on a number of the Auld Hoose's fizzy lagers.

And what should behold?

Elkington, extremely purplefaced and sweating by the Sunday evening, made it to the famous Muirfield play-off with Ernie Els and Thomas Levet.

Indeed, he had a 16-foot putt for the championship outright on the 72nd hole.

So, maybe the bevvying isn't so bad after all for a golfer. Indeed, the Eagle himself was quaffing copiously last night after a feverish week at the Open.

Down the beak, lads.

I'M sorry, but am I the only bird of prey that was actually cursing Colin Montgomerie's second-place finish last night?

Listen, guys, I wanted Monty to WIN, not come second AGAIN.

Okay, TigerWoods is a formidable opponent, has now won 10 majors and will, we are told, one day equal Jack Nicklaus' record of 18.

But I don't mind saying that, at 1pm yesterday afternoon, the Eagle was of the thorough view that Monty was going to grab Tiger by his tail and give him a right good stuffing.

Not for me all the applause - and even clapping - which greeted Monty as he came clumping up the 18th fairway a distant second.

At the 11th, if I understand the ancient game aright, Monty was only ONE shot off the lead. Then he finishes FIVE off the lead.

And to think people wish to applaud this?

Sorry if this is all a bit harsh. With Monty, though, the Eagle has had his fill of plucky defeats.