Irish Seniors Open: Order of Merit leader Sam Torrance has confirmed his participation in the Irish Seniors Open at Ballybunion at the start of June. He will be joined on the Co Kerry links by another former Ryder Cup captain, Ian Woosnam, and home favourites Des Smyth and Jimmy Heggarty.

Torrance and Co Antrim's Heggarty occupy first and second places on the current standings but, only two events into the season, there is a lot of golf still to be played.

Torrance triumphed at Fota Island in 2006 and with two Irish Open titles to his name, Ireland has proved a happy hunting ground for the Scot in the past.

“The Irish Seniors Open is always one of the highlights of the season and I’ve enjoyed a lot of success on Irish soil so it is a place I look forward to returning,” he said

“I’ve been playing beautifully on the Senior Tour this year and my victory in Barbados was some of the best golf I’ve played in a long time. Links golf is always a good test of your game and it will be an important tournament in terms of the Order of Merit race.

“The field looks very strong and Ballybunion promises to be a magnificent place to visit and I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing one of Ireland’s great links courses.”

Ballybunion is no stranger to European Tour competition, having hosted the 2000 Irish Open, won by Sweden’s Patrick Sjöland ahead of countryman Fredrik Jacobsen while Paul McGinley finished third.

At 6598 yards, the Old Course is regarded as one of the country’s finest links and will provide a stern examination for the players.