Not a shot has been played in anger, but losers and winners have already emerged.

The Ryder Cup has indirectly led to Skye Camanachd being promoted to shinty's National Division Two, without having to compete first in a play-off.

The game was supposed to be one of the showpiece events in the newly reconstructed shinty leagues. But opponents Balluchulish have conceded because many of their senior players are unavailable. Skye, as winners of North Division One, were due to play them as winners of South Division tomorrow at Drumnadrochit, but Ballachulish issued a statement saying they would not be taking part because appeals to the Camanachd Association for a different date had been refused. One of the reasons given was that several players including the club captain would be in attendance at Gleneagles.

"Whilst we would rather have them playing shinty, we feel that we cannot refuse their requests to attend what could be a once in a lifetime golfing occasion," the club said.