It was tough 24 years ago when he made his British Open debut, and Des Smyth - who failed to survive the cut that year - expects an even tougher time on this occasion. "I just hope the wind doesn't blow," he said, "otherwise it is going to make really good players look silly."

And he is genuinely concerned. "I personally think they have overcooked it. This golf course is the toughest in Britain or Ireland without any rough . . . it's a natural links course, extremely difficult. Then you have 15-yard fairways on 480-yard Par 4s with drains? Personally, I think it is over the top," said Smyth.

"I'm not complaining. This is the test that they're setting up and we have to do the best we can. But links is all about wind, firm, fast conditions and how you cope with that," he added.

"And you have very severe bunkers and drains that run through fairways that make for a very, very difficult golf course. But then you add unplayable rough, 15-yard target areas, and I just don't see the point."

Despite the prospect of a gruelling few days, Smyth is passionate about playing on a links course in the British Open. "I love this course. It is such a traditional links and it has all the difficulties - it is just up to players to cope the best that they can," he said.

Smyth's preparations, however, have been good. A 64 in the second round of the Loch Lomond tournament last week confirmed his current well-being and, exempt because of his tied-14th finish at Birkdale last year, he was able to avoid the qualifying ritual and played two and a half rounds at Carnoustie in reacquainting himself with the links where his British Open love affair first started.

For another Irish player, Carnoustie will also mark a debut appearance in the championship. Paddy Gribben earned his ticket into the championship due to his victory in the European Amateur Strokeplay last year and, on Tuesday, played a round with US Open champion Payne Stewart. "He's just one of the boys," remarked Gribben, "and made me feel very comfortable."

Gribben, who retained his North of Ireland title last week, confined himself to hitting some balls on the practice range yesterday, however. Today, he'll be first to tee-off in a threeball that also includes Gary Player and Corey Pavin.

"The course is playing very difficult, but I intend to enjoy the experience," he insisted.

Ireland's three other participants - Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley - all finalised their preparations with practice rounds.