Colin Montgomerie will attempt to boost his Volvo ranking by competing in the £850,000 Smurfit Irish Open at The K Club on August 21st to 24th. Montgomerie, who has topped the Order of Merit for the last four years, is currently third behind Ian Woosnam and Darren Clarke.
By deciding to pass up an invitation to the conflicting World Series at Firestone, the Scot is aiming for a notable Irish double. Early last month, he shot a course record final round of 62 to retain the Murphy's Irish Open title at Druids Glen.
"It was very tempting to play in the World Series, but the Smurfit European Open is just too good a tournament to miss," said Montgomerie yesterday.
He added: "I love the course, the hotel and the Irish people. You have always made me very welcome and the reception I got at Druids Glen was just incredible."
Per-Ulrik Johansson will be defending the title, and other leading competitors include Ryder Cup skipper Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Jose-Maria Olazabal and Ian Woosnam.
