European Open: Each year they come to The K Club, not so much with fear and trepidation in their hearts but aware that the test ahead will be one of the severest they face all year, writes Philip Reid at The K Club.

On this course, the fairways are narrow, the rough is tough, and the greens are slippery fast. And, if the rain of recent days has made things a little easier, and the course a little less fearsome, then it is only marginally so. As Padraig Harrington, rightly cast in the role of Smurfit European Open favourite - even in his own eyes - would testify to.

To win here demands not only mental fortitude, with a finishing stretch that has two of the last three holes involving the River Liffey in its devilish plot to unearth a worthy champion, but also the physical ability to hit the ball with length and accuracy. And, if the wind should blow, to also possess the shot-making skills that will conjure an unbeatable score. Basically, the whole shebang is required.

It's in such conditions that Harrington normally thrives, and the strength of the field - with 23 of the top 30 players in the current Order of Merit competing - simply adds to the challenge for the Dubliner.

"Outside of the majors, this is in the top three tournaments we play in Europe. But, more than that, I treat it as a PGA European Tour event in Ireland . . . and that's what I put more emphasis on.

"It gets such a quality of field and for me to win in Ireland would be a bit special. There's a lot more pressure, more stress, but it would be nice to win here. The fact it is an Irish event gets me going even more," insisted Harrington.

A year ago, coming down the stretch on Sunday, Harrington pulled his approach shot to the 72nd hole into the water. He finished a shot outside of a play-off with Michael Campbell. Since then, the pair have had contrasting fortunes: Harrington has won four times, moving to eighth in the latest world rankings; Campbell has nose-dived from 18th to 57th in the world over that same time.

The Kiwi tried to combine playing in America with Europe, while overcoming a shoulder injury, and it simply didn't work. At least a return to a happy hunting ground should provide some inspiration, perhaps sparking a return to form.

"It's a remarkable game this game. It can change so quickly. It is just a case of trying to believe in yourself and I know I am good enough to win tournaments around the world," insisted Campbell.

Others come with great expectations, too. Colin Montgomerie celebrated his 40th birthday last week and, upon arrival here, announced: "This is my first tournament as a 40-year-old . . . and I intend to win it."

Stephen Leaney, too, holds high hopes. The Australian was runner-up to Jim Furyk in the US Open and a full-time schedule on the US Tour beckons but, for now, he is intent on following up his good recent form with an improvement on what he has achieved at The K Club in the past.

"I never go into a tournament on Thursday thinking about winning, I think about it step by step," said Leaney, adding: "I haven't really driven the ball well enough here in the past. Now, my confidence is sky high with the driver. I know I am driving it well, so there is no reason why I can't have a chance this week."

For Harrington, and the other Irish players, 15 in all, the course is one that invariably creates a feel-good factor. Darren Clarke was the winner here in 2001 - and went around in 60 in 1999, although that score is no longer regarded as a course record since extra length was added - and his assertion that the course "is improving every year we come back" has been met with universal approval.

Not surprisingly, Harrington is one of those who feels comfortable here. "I've been playing here since it opened, 10 or 11 years ago, and the course has matured really well. It's a really nice golf course, it suits my eye. It's a fine course, it really is. Every year it has got consistently better. "

It was here that Harrington made his first appearance as a professional, on a sponsor's invite, in 1995. "I remember I played with Barry Lane and Costantino Rocca the first two rounds and I felt out of it, couldn't believe how good these guys were. But I stuck at it. I realised they were having a good week and I wasn't having a great week. I've come a long way since then. I could shoot a low score back then but, hopefully, now, what gets me into contention more often is my consistent play. The 68s, 69s and 70s. When you keep producing them, you get in the hunt on Sundays."

The rain that fell on Monday, however, has softened up the course. It is playing longer, with less run on the fairways, but the greens are more receptive, less firm, than they were.

"We've had a lot of rain, and it has softened since when I came here for a practice round on Sunday, but, to be honest, that makes it easier for professional players," said Harrington.

And, for a change, Harrington - coming back after a fortnight away from competition, during which he spent time playing Royal St George's (the venue for the British Open) and also working on his swing - is not surprised that he is the favourite. "I've been favourite for a number of events over the years, but not in any that has the quality of field that's here. Normally bookies price down a little bit for the Irish guys, but on this occasions I feel I deserve to be favourite.

"You know, I'd be quite happy to make this a miserable tournament and win by 20 shots . . . the reality is that I am here to do as well as I can as an individual and to look after myself.

"I'm relaxed for it. When I am inclined not to do too much practice it is a sign that I am ready to play. Hope I can build up as the week progresses. If I start okay, I think I will get better during the tournament."

It would seem that the Celtic Tiger is the man they have to beat.