In the enforced absence of leading compatriots, Denis O'Sullivan will spearhead the home challenge in the AIB Irish Seniors Open at Powerscourt on May 11th to 13th. And on current form, the 53-year-old Corkman is certain to enjoy the role.
A quality field, including last year's Senior Order of Merit winner Noel Ratcliffe, will be competing for a record prize fund of £250,000. But there will be no challenge from Christy O'Connor Jnr, nor from David Jones. O'Connor is still recovering from a broken left leg sustained in a domestic accident in late March and Jones was forced to withdraw because of a broken collarbone. And Christy O'Connor Snr is unlikely to compete because of a recent illness.
When the event was staged for a fourth time at Tulfarris last year, top prize went to the leading American, Bruce Fleisher. He will not be defending the title but the American-based Tony Jacklin, who was tied 22nd behind John Morgan at Mount Juliet two years ago, is making a return visit.
Meanwhile, O'Sullivan's determination to make a worthwhile showing in his premier home event, can be gauged from the fact that he visited Powerscourt for a practice round earlier this year. "Wherever they place the tees, it's certain to be a tough course - not a place for short-hitters," he said. "And I was delighted with the condition of the greens."
Having quit amateur ranks to become a senior professional three years ago, O'Sullivan reached a high point last season when he captured the Senior Tournament of Champions and the end-of-season Abu Dhabi Seniors Tour Championship.
