Irish Open - Six to watch

Harrington: Defending champion

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For the second straight year, the Irish Open will be played at the highly-acclaimed Adare Manor course in County Limerick.

Designed by Robert Trent-Jones, the eminent architect once declared that the par-five 18th was the best finishing hole he ever created.

Adare Manor, which is part of an 840-acre estate, has also been voted the best inland venue in Ireland.

The 13-year-old layout is one of the most testing courses on Tour, and in last year's event only three players managed to finish under par after 72 holes.

Water comes into play on seven holes, and with its undulating greens and tree-lined fairways, the course is unlikely to yield too many low scores this time around either.

Last year's tournament also produced the first home winner in 25 years, with Padraig Harrington scooping top prize after a play-off with Bradley Dredge.

So who are this week's likely lads?

Padraig Harrington: Aiming to become the fifth back-to-back winner of the Irish Open during the past 30 years - the others were Mark James, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie. However, will need to improve on the 78 he carded last week at Sawgrass where he missed the cut.

Robert Karlsson: Over the past couple of years has developed into one of the European Tour's most consistent golfers. The Swede finished third in Italy at the weekend.

Graeme McDowell: Has re-discovered his form over the past few months and will be keen to turn in a good performance on home soil.

Damien McGrane: Claimed his maiden Tour title recently in China and will be confident of finishing top Irishman in his own national open. The 37-year-old was well placed after 54 holes at Adare Manor in 2007.

Lee Westwood: Usually plays well in Ireland but has never won the open.

Oliver Wilson: Runner-up in Milan on Sunday, the 27-year-old Englishman is getting closer to a maiden Tour victory. Was a top-25 finisher at Adare Manor last year.