MICK FALDO three-times winner of the title, will be seeking further distinction as the leading challenger in this year's Murphy's Irish Open at Druids Glen on July 3rd to 6th. To mark the announcement, which was made in a Dublin hotel last night, a telephone link-up was established with Faldo in England.

After completing a hat-trick of victories in 1993, Faldo spoke at Mount Juliet about his pleasure in coming here. "There is something about the country - nobody dies of ulcers," he said. "It helps me to relax."

Perhaps not wishing to repeat himself, he sought an appropriate phrase last night to explain his decision to come back to the championship after a lapse of two years. Then, on being given details about the hotel reception, it came to him - "I'm pleased you're celebrating the event five months before it starts."

In the presence of European Tour executive director Ken Schofield, the sponsors also confirmed that Colin Montgomerie, the world number three and winner at Druids Glen last year will be defending the title, and a top-quality field will also include Costantino Rocca the reigning Volvo PGA Champion.

Rocca will be joined by Ryder Cup colleagues Bernhard Lang, Seve Ballesteros and Per-Ulrik Johansson. As it happens, the Swede will be here as winner of the Smurfit European Open at The K Club last September.

But the spotlight will clearly be on Faldo, particularly in this, a Ryder Cup year. "Looking back it seems funny that I failed to win this championship when it was played on links courses, which should have suited me," he said. Instead, his breakthrough came at Killarney in 1991 and he retained it the following year at the same venue, before completing three-in-a-row at Mount Juliet.

That was the occasion when he set himself the target of a course record final round of 65, did it, and then beat Jose-Maria Olazabal in a play-off. Now, as it happens, the Irish Open sets him on a three-week European assault which could deliver automatic qualification for Valderrama.

Had he discussed the situation with skipper Ballesteros, who is reputed to have claimed that not even Faldo could be sure of a wild-card place in the side? "No," he replied. "I've heard all the rumours but I'd prefer to say nothing until I've spoken to Seve."

He also had some fascinating observations about the way the US team is shaping up. To the suggestion that it was adopting a formidable look, he replied: "Yes, they're strong, but they were also strong at Oak Hill in 1995. US teams always look great on paper but in a matchplay situation with two guys fighting for a point, things don't necessary go to plan."

Currently in England recuperating from a cold, he will be returning to the US next week to prepare for the Nissan Open in Los Angeles on February 27th. Then he heads for the Doral Ryder Open and the start of the Florida Swing, on the countdown to the US Masters.

Even with all that golf on his mind, however, Faldo could still find time for his beloved fishing. So it was that before signing off last night, he had already arranged a fishing date for the Monday of Irish Open week. Where? "Anywhere," he replied. "Just get a boat."