In order to thwart the vagaries of the Irish weather, and in the interests of equity, organisers of the WGC-American Express championship at Mount Juliet have taken the unusual step of effectively stockpiling tee-times for Thursday's first round.
Rather than have the traditional, one-tee start in what is a limited field of just 68 players (after yesterday's defections), a decision has been taken to have a two-tee start with the opening round deferred until 11.30 a.m, some three hours after play was originally due to start.
The reason for the alteration is to reduce the risk of any major change in weather during the day affecting significantly the outcome of the first day's play.
"A two-tee start gives the best possible chance for all the players to play their rounds in similar weather conditions thus giving them a more equal chance to post their scores," said Peter Adams, the championship director.
Unlike regular tournaments, where the draw for the first two rounds are pre-determined, the second round of the AmEx is decided on positions after the first round, with the leaders going out last. Play on Thursday will be in threeballs, but it is expected play on the remaining three days will start at 8.30 a.m. in two-balls with all pairs starting from the first tee.
With €979,113 on offer to the champion, this tournament could yet prove to be a major factor in determining who will top the European Tour Order of Merit. As things stand, Ernie Els leads the way ahead of his compatriot Retief Goosen with three Europeans - Miguel Angel Jimenez, Thomas Levet and Padraig Harrington - next in line.
However, Harrington's failure to get into the HSBC World Matchplay, which is now a counting event towards the moneylist, means the Dubliner's chances of overtaking Els has been considerably reduced.
Incidentally, Singh's defection yesterday, on top of the earlier withdrawals of Phil Mickelson and Mike Weir, means that only seven of the world's top 10 players will be competing at Mount Juliet. Tiger Woods, the world's number two, is now the top ranked player. He is seeking a hat-trick of titles, having won here in 2002 and then successfully defending the title in Atlanta last year. Els (3), Goosen (5), Davis Love (6), Harrington (8), Stewart Cink (9) and Adam Scott (10) are all playing.
Harrington is one of four Irish players in the field, along with Darren Clarke - who also qualified through his world ranking - Paul McGinley and Graeme McDowell, who each made it into the limited-player field due to their top-20 positions in the Volvo Order of Merit.
Irish Positions
5 P Harrington €1,503,204
7 D Clarke €1,222,826
9 G McDowell €1,119,662
15 P McGinley €888,586
80 G Murphy €252,941
86 P Lawrie €221,398
99 D McGrane €183,808
