WHEN John McHenry underwent an operation on a hand injury a mere 12-weeks ago, he didn't realise that a return to the European Tour would come quite as quickly as next week's Smurfit European Open at The K Club.

The 32-year-old Corkman will, however, return to the circuit - if only briefly - for the £750,000 tournament which starts at the Arnold Palmer-designed course tomorrow week, thanks to a "wild card" invitation procurred through associate sponsors Bord Failte.

McHenry, who secured his card at last year's Tour School, played in 10 events at the start of the season (earning £15,088) until constant pain forced him to seek medical advice. A scan, in fact, revealed that surgery was necessary to cut out and remove some bone in his hand.

"I have only been back playing golf for a little over two weeks and, really, can still only play as much as the hand will allow me," said McHenry. "But I have to start back some time and I feel it is better to do it on Irish soil than anywhere else."

Meanwhile, Italy's Costantino Rocca, who captured the Volvo PGA Championship earlier this season, has provided a further boost to the event. In a classic case of "better late than never," the 39-year-old Ryder Cup player has added his name to the elite field which now boasts 47 of the top 50 players in the current European Tour Order of Merit.

Rocca finished fifth in last year's tournament, four shots behind eventual winner Bernhard Langer who beat Barry Lane in a play-off. His entry was confirmed by the tournament organisers yesterday, joining Langer, European number one Colin Montgomerie, Ian Woosnam - a four-time winner on the circuit this season - and, of course, British Open champion Tom Lehman.

There was good and bad news for Ireland's professionals when the "wild cards" were handed out. Apart from McHenry, rookie professionals David Higgins, who has already secured his card for next season, and Francis Howley also received invitations.

However, there is no invitation for Gary Murphy, the former Irish amateur champion, who led the Irish challenge for long periods in the Murphys Irish Open at Druids Glen in July.

UCD student Peter Lawrie, the Irish champion, and Warren Bladon, the British champion, will represent the amateurs in the tournament.