Eight Irishmen take on US Masters champion Mark O'Meara and the high-flying Colin Montgomerie in the quest for the huge jackpot which is now the European TPC.

Darren Clarke's career could be said to have launched at Gut Kaden, albeit over a different layout for one of the nines, when he finished second behind Bernhard Langer here in 1992 in the Honda Open.

Clarke, who is trying to succeed on both sides of the Channel this year, will be looking to boost his confidence before tackling the US Open in three weeks' time, and aiming to climb the world rankings. Capturing the £183,300 first prize would certainly help him up from his current 29th place.

He said: "It's a tremendously strong field this week and I'm keen to win again as soon as possible. When it's a strong field like this, the world ranking points are much higher and I'm looking forward to this week on a course where I've had success before."

Paul McGinley was fifth at this venue last year and also likes the course. His aim is to finish in the top five of those not already exempt for the British Open Championship in the special order of merit which finishes at Loch Lomond the week before Birkdale. Had he not been passed by a cluster of players at the finish last week, McGinley would already have been in as one of the top five on the main order of merit.

His 10th place last week at Wentworth kept up his fine recent form since coming back from injury and if he continues it, he will try to pre-qualify for the US Open at New Jersey. Monday night's finish will decree yes or no.

Padraig Harrington, tied 11th at Wentworth, also eyes world ranking points to boost his bid to get into the top 75 before the US PGA so he can get into that major as well as the British Open and US Open.

Philip Walton bids to kick-start his season at last, Des Smyth and Raymond Burns also want to end a poor run. Eamonn Darcy and Ronan Rafferty are injury-free and raring to go.