GOLF IRISH OPEN: If the lure of the links hasn't exactly proven to be irresistible, it could yet attract current British Open champion Ben Curtis, and Luke Donald - who must fulfil his commitment to play 11 European Tour events to be eligible for the European Ryder Cup team - to play in the Nissan Irish Open at Baltray, which takes place on July 22nd-25th, the week after the British Open. Philip Reid reports

Although both US Tour players have still to confirm their entries, tournament consultant David Linnane confirmed yesterday the pair had expressed serious interest in playing in this year's Irish Open.

The closing date for entries is tomorrow, and it is expected that the battle for Ryder Cup points should ensure a very strong field for the tournament, which this year carries €1.9 million in prize money.

Indeed, the impact made by new sponsors Nissan Ireland has been quite remarkable, given that they only assumed title sponsorship a year ago, after Murphy's fulfilled that role for nine years. However, it is expected the tournament will return to a parkland course next year.

"We had a strong inaugural launch last year," said Gerard O'Toole, executive chairman of Nissan Ireland, "and felt that we made a mark. We're fortunate in that we've moved from one great links course at Portmarnock to another at Baltray, which is a great linkage . . . and we've established a good solid base for moving on.

"However, the number of links courses that we can go to around the eastern coastline is quite limited, so I would anticipate that we will have to reassess where we are going for next year and, most likely, will move away from a links," said O'Toole.

"We were happy to go to Portmarnock last year because of its association down the years with the Irish Open and because it is the spiritual home of Irish golf. We felt we made a mark, and we're glad that this year we can keep it at another links. We're happy that it is a good, solid base to move forward."

Market research from last year's tournament has indicated to O'Toole that their sponsorship - they are committed for at least one more year after this event - is more than worthwhile.

"It was televised in nine European countries, 19 countries worldwide and some 290 million people around the world saw the event. Add in the other media column inches and the fact that 77,000 golfing aficionados attended over the four days and we're very happy with the sponsorship.

"The Irish Open is one of the oldest golf tournaments in the world and we have given it a new lease of life. It would have been a great shame if it did not continue and I think we have given it a new life.

"Apart from the new sponsorship giving it a new lease of life, it has gone to a links course twice in succession and that has given it quite a lift."

Although discussions are continuing about the date immediately after the British Open, and the expectation is that it will change next year, an indication of the Irish Open's appeal is that all corporate hospitality and commercial slots for this year's event - where Michael Campbell will defend his title - have been sold, and ticket sales are in advance of last year's levels, with a large number expected to attend from Northern Ireland.

"As far as the Ryder Cup is concerned, this year's event should give added urgency to the qualifying process, but I think it is probable that there will be a change in date for next year," admitted O'Toole.