Hubert Green, a former winner of the US Open and USPGA Championship, is set to make a fourth competitive visit to this country after a lapse of 20 years. The 53-year-old from Alabama is to challenge the holder, Christy O'Connor Jnr, in the Senior British Open, which starts at Royal Co Down on Thursday.

Back in 1977, as the reigning US Open champion, Green came to Portmarnock to compete in the Irish Open, which was being defended by compatriot Ben Crenshaw. And memories remain vivid of the splendid challenge of Jimmy Kinsella, who went into the final round only a stroke adrift of the American.

In the end, Green and Crenshaw fought out a spirited battle for the title on the final day and were eventually separated by only a stroke. With a final round of 70 for an aggregate of 283, Green claimed top prize of £8,000. He returned to defend the title the following year, but, after a promising opening round of 67, eventually slipped to a share of fifth place behind Ken Brown. And his final appearance was in 1980, when he finished third behind Mark James.

Brian Barnes, who finished second on that occasion, will also be at Royal Co Down. O'Connor is expecting a strong challenge from the Scot, and from former USPGA champion Dave Stockton, who captained his country to a controversial Ryder Cup victory at Kiawah Island in 1991.

An impressive line-up will also include the American John Jacobs, a noted long hitter who has gained three victories on the US Seniors' Tour. Though he never won on the regular tour, he lost a play-off to Tony Jacklin for the 1972 Jacksonville Open.