Better late than never, David Higgins yesterday received a sponsor's invitation for the European Open. Higgins, who failed to make it into the €3.6 million tournament off his tour card category, and Australian Peter Fowler were given the last available invitations.

In all, three Irish players received invitations: Michael Hoey, a winner on the Challenge Tour earlier this season, and Philip Walton had previously received their tickets into the tournament.

Padraig Harrington, the world number 10, is the highest-ranked player in the field, and heads a 10-strong home challenge that also includes in-form Damien McGrane, Graeme McDowell, Paul McGinley, Peter Lawrie, Gary Murphy, Simon Thornton, Walton, Higgins and Hoey.

One notable absentee, however, is Darren Clarke, who is taking a week's break before reappearing in next week's Scottish Open and the following week's British Open at Carnoustie.

Clarke had missed seven straight cuts in strokeplay tournaments on the European and US tours prior to surviving in to the weekend at the Buick Open, but his friend and fellow Ryder Cup player McGinley fully understands his reasons for missing this week's tournament.

"Darren's going through a tough time. People who go through bereavement often say there's an aftershock, and that's what he is going through at the moment. He is realising now all the work Heather did and how much of a hole her parting has left in the family. She was a strong lady.

"But he'll come back. Darren's very much a confidence player. He'll resolve the issues, there's no doubt he will come through."