Darren Clarke enjoys playing at the K Club in County Kildare

The Northern Ireland player, now 26th in the world rankings, has endured a poor run of scores lately, and was dejected at finishing 42nd in the US Open in Chicago.

But Clarke, with only two top 10 finishes this year, was refreshingly upbeat as he arrived on a course where he has an impressive track record.

Clarke shot a 60 at the K Club in 1999 but, although happier with his game, he did not envisage a repeat of that spectacular round.

"I love it here. It just seems to get better every year," the 34-year-old said of the venue for the 2006 Ryder Cup.

"It is a good three or more strokes difficult than when I shot that 60 because the trees have grown and you have to be more precise."

After a couple of weeks off with his family, Clarke said he was looking forward to getting back into competition.

Padraig Harrington tees off early on Thursday

He said he had been working on a couple of changes recommended by Harold Swash, widely known in the game as the "putting doctor".

"We addressed a few different things, changing my grip a little and making a small alteration to my posture," Clarke told the Irish Independent newspaper.

"It feels good. I have made a commitment to Harold. I am not going to listen to anything else and am not going to chop and change any more."

Clarke will play alongside Bernhard Langer and US Open runner-up Stephen Leaney in his first two rounds at the K Club.

The Dungannon man will tee off at 1255 BST on Thursday.

Padraig Harrington (0810) and Graeme McDowell (0830) will have earlier starts.

Golding claims maiden win

Harrington is paired with Thomas Bjorn and Sunday's French Open winner Philip Golding, while McDowell will have Ian Poulter and Greg Owen for company.

There are 14 Irish professionals in action at the K Club.

I wouldn't have missed this for anything Niall Quinn on being Philip Walton's caddie

Other big names playing at the K Club are Retief Goosen, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo and defending champion Michael Campbell.

And making his debut as a European Tour caddie will be former Republic of Ireland striker Niall Quinn.

The former Arsenal, Manchester City and Sunderland star will be carrying the bag of 1995 Ryder Cup player Philip Walton.

"Philip gave me a ring during the week and everything else got cancelled immediately," he said. "I wouldn't have missed this for anything."

Last season former England and Southampton star Matthew Le Tissier caddied for Richard Bland in the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.