Smurfit European Open officials were relieved and pleased yesterday to be in a position to confirm the entry of Paul Lawrie for next week's event at The K Club. The Scot's appearance was never really in doubt, but there were understandable concerns that his plans might change following Sunday's triumph at Carnoustie.
So, Lawrie becomes the second reigning British Open to compete at The K Club since 1996. That was when Tom Lehman, who captured the Claret Jug at Royal Lytham, made a return visit to the European Open, having come there directly from the Ryder Cup at Oak Hill the previous year.
It is interesting to note that in 1996, Lehman finished in a share of 33rd place behind the winner, Per-Ulrik Johansson. Meanwhile, back in a share of 55th place was Adam Hunter, who has since become Lawrie's coach. And what of Lawrie? He failed to make the cut of 147 - three over par.
Other entries confirmed yesterday were Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros. They will be joining defending champion Mathias Gronberg, Darren Clarke, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Bernhard Langer and Jean Van de Velde.
"All the players will be under the watchful eye of Ryder Cup captain, Mark James," said European Open managing director, Jamie Birkmyre yesterday. "He will be playing in the event and assessing form in the final countdown to the announcement of the team for Boston."
Significant improvements to the course include an imposing new backdrop to the 14th green and hundreds of new trees, many of which have a strategic impact. And overall, the Straffan layout was in magnificent condition yesterday for the visit of tournament officials and a representative from the Arnold Palmer organisation in the US.
