Open Champion Paul Lawrie returns to action this week for the first time since his magnificent triumph at Carnoustie. The Scot is the latest major champion and joins Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, and Ian Woosnam as the major champions in one of the strongest fields of the year.
Jean Van de Velde, the Frenchman who came so close to lifting the Auld Claret Jug before being pipped in a play-off by Lawrie, is also back in action.
Mathias Grönberg defends the title this week. Twelve months ago the Swede produced four magnificent rounds of 68, 71, 67 and 69 for a 13-under-par total of 275 to win by ten strokes, the largest winning total of the season. Grönberg led for three of the four rounds to claim his second European Tour title and win the biggest cheque of his career.
Other challengers this week include Lee Westwood, fresh from his first European Tour victory of the year in Holland last week, and Colin Montgomerie, winner of the Standard Life Loch Lomond and back in action after his top 20 finish at Carnoustie. Teenager Sergio Garcia also returns action this week with his sights set on an Irish double after his victory earlier this month.
With the Ryder Cup Qualification process drawing to its conclusion, the battle for points will be keenly fought this week. Scotland’s Andrew Coltart currently occupies tenth spot and will be looking to consolidate his position.
The course was designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in July 1991. The K Club’s signature hole is regarded as the seventh. It is the longest hole on the course which dog-legs first to the right and then the left. Many players will lay up and then face a tricky third shot over the River Liffey to a green protected by bunkers and a cluster of mature trees. The finish guarantees high drama with a tough par three on the 17th and then the 18th provides a spectacular finish.
