Five Australians will be in the field for the most anticipated Irish Open in memory.

The tournament is being played at one of
the world’s great courses, Royal County Down, and features one of its strongest
fields in years.

Former winner Brett Rumford will be joined
by Wade Ormsby, Andrew Dodt, Richard Green and Marcus Fraser when some of the
best players in the world descend on the classic Irish links.

The presence of World Number 1 Rory McIlroy
has helped attract an impressive list of local and international stars
including The PLAYERS champion Rickie Fowler and World Number 7 Sergio Garcia.

But the Australians won’t be completely out
of their depth this week, the style of golf required at Royal County Down is one
they will not be entirely unfamiliar with.

With few tournaments played on traditional
links layouts in the modern era the likes of Rumford, the 2004 champion, and
Richard Green will welcome the ground game skills required this week.

Last year’s Australian Open aside Rumford
has been in the doldrums for nearly two years but could be inspired by the
setting this week and a turnaround in form is not out of the question. The West Australian also experienced a set back when forced to take a break due to illness, his first tournament back on the European Tour was the BMW PGA Championship last week.

Green lamented during the Australian summer
the lack of great links courses on the European Tour’s schedule and will be as
keen as anyone for the challenges that lie ahead this week.

While not one of the game’s long hitters
Green’s consistent style of golf, combined with a silky smooth putting stroke,
is purpose built to survive the travails of a windy links test and he could
surprise a few this week.

Fresh off qualifying for the US Open in a
play-off earlier this week Marcus Fraser is another who will relish the test at
Royal County Down.

Fraser spent his formative years playing
the sandbelt courses of Melbourne where the questions asked of the player are
not entirely dissimilar to the examination he will face this week.

Andrew Dodt, Scott Hend and Wade Ormsby all
have pride to play for this week after a disappointing collective performance
in missing the cut last week at Wentworth.