GOLF/News: The 2001 British Open winner David Duval has confirmed that he will make his professional debut in Ireland next month, when he tees up at the Smurfit European Open at The K Club from July 3rd-6th.

Duval, one of the most easily recognised players on the circuit with his wrap-around sunglasses, has been going through a serious dip in form over the past 18 months and although he won the Open at Royal Lytham, has never played professionally in Ireland.

His only competitive action in this country was 12 years ago, when, as an amateur he played in the US Walker Cup team against Britain and Ireland at Portmarnock. On that occasion the 31-year-old American won two of his three matches as the US team ran out 14-10 winners.

Duval, though, has played extensively in Europe where he has competed in 31 events on the European Tour schedule and has amassed a dozen top 10 finishes.

"I am very much looking forward to travelling to The K Club and playing in the Smurfit European Open," he said. "I have heard a lot about how welcoming and knowledgeable the Irish golf fans are and having enjoyed a number of wonderful fishing holidays there in the past, I'm sure it will be a fun week."

But the former world's best hasn't won a PGA Tour event in 19 months, and since climbing into the number one spot on the world ranking back in April 1999, he has plummeted steadily, down.

Last year was particularly bad and Duval managed just two top-10s and missed eight cuts after missing a total of eight in the previous four years. He fell to 176th in driving accuracy, 146th in scrambling and 48th in scoring despite converting more birdie chances than all but three players on tour.

Although he is currently placed at 167 on the money list, Duval's talent is recognised as being up there with the best in the world and he holds a record few golfers can claim. In the final round of the 1999 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic he shot a 59.

"The Smurfit European Open has a tradition of featuring the top players from around the world and David Duval certainly fits the category," said Dr Michael Smurfit.