The European Tour hits Ireland, The K Club to be more precise, for the Smurfit European Open this weekend.

Defending champion Michael Campbell languishes in the betting at 66 to 1 because of his poor form, while the man he beat into the runners-up spot, Padraig Harrington, leads the market with Paddy Power (9 to 1). Ladbrokes are a shade more generous, laying the Dubliner at 10 to 1.

Professionals are loath to suggest a course or tournament owes them anything, but Harrington, twice a runner-up, should feel pretty relaxed and determined going into the event. Darren Clarke (10 to 1, both houses) has an exceptional record and is a former champion, his poor performance last year something of an aberration.

Clarke's form tee-to-green this season should have allowed him to bag a couple of titles; a cold putter has stopped him in his tracks. On home soil he should be that bit more relaxed and one feels a good start could be three-quarters of the battle for the Dungannon man.

The heavy rain yesterday will make a course that already favours long hitters even more demanding and so Paul Casey (16 to 1, Power), Justin Rose (22 to 1, Power), Thomas Bjorn (28 to 1, Power) and Retief Goosen (16 to 1, Power) will all be strong contenders as will South African Trevor Immelman (28 to 1, Power).

This column is hoping to leave those lean times in the rear-view mirror, putting our faith in Sweden's Niclas Fasth (25 to 1, Ladbrokes). His only problem this season has been his proclivity to shoot poor final rounds.

Those looking for each-way value could do worse than David Howell (80 to 1, Power) and Raphael Jacquelin (66 to 1, both houses) or Ireland's Graeme McDowell (80 to 1, both houses). The latter likes the course despite missing the cut last year.