Westwood won't be heading south

When entries closed on Thursday for the Murphy's Irish Open at Ballybunion in a fortnight, one name was prominent by its absence.

Lee Westwood, the world number 10 and current third in the European Order of Merit, has decided to bypass a tournament which returns to a links course for the first time in a decade.

In fact, four players from the present top 10 in the European moneylist have decided not to play: Westwood, Ernie Els, Gary Orr and Andrew Coltart.

Indeed, Coltart, who initially entered, only withdrew yesterday - after the closing date for entries. On the other side of the coin, however, Jose Maria Olazabal, last year's US Masters champion, confirmed his participation in the tournament just hours before final entries.

The absence of Ryder Cup duo Westwood and Coltart is a surprise. However, the general strength in depth of the entry list is such that none of the players who secured their tour cards via last year's qualifying school have gained automatic places in the field. "I can't remember the last time that happened," admitted tournament consultant Paddy Rossi.

This means, that someone like tour rookie Gary Murphy (who has played in 14 tournaments so far this season on the strength of his school position) doesn't automatically get a place in the field and is relying on one of the sponsors' invites which is traditionally held in case a "big name" decides to play at the last minute.

Seven invites have already been issued with five going to Irish players: Philip Walton, who lost his tour card last season; Paddy Gribben, who returned to the professional ranks after playing in last year's Walker Cup; Richard Coughlan, who plays on the NGA Hooters Tour in the United States, and local Kerry players Graham Spring and Sean Quinlivan.

The other two invite cards awarded have gone to former Walker Cup player Simon Dyson, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, and Australian, Peter Senior.

When it was announced that the Irish Open would return to a traditional links course, it was felt that the decision would entice a number of American players to compete - particularly given its proximity to the British Open at St Andrews. However, it would seem that the unavailability of financial inducements has been the greater factor in determining that none of the top US players has entered.

Sergio Garcia will defend a title he won impressively at Druid's Glen last year while the one-two in the European money list, Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie respectively, will be definite starters in the tournament.

British Open champion Paul Lawrie, who was forced to withdraw from the US Open because of a groin strain, has entered and hopes to be fit in time for the Ballybunion assignment on June 29th - July 2nd.