By Mike Burnett

Doyle is in relaxed mood The BBC at the Open

Craig Doyle may be used to more exotic locations, but this week's trip to Sandwich is a dream come true for the Irish TV presenter.

Doyle is part of the BBC team covering this year's Open Championship at Royal St George's and is relishing the challenge.

"I suppose it's the broadcast equivalent of playing in the thing," the Dublin-born charmer told this website.

"You spend your life watching it and so working on it is a real joy."

Doyle, who made his television breakthrough on the Holiday programme and science show Tomorrow's World, is certainly passionate about his golf.

He has been playing the game since the age of six and can remember some interesting visits to the Irish Open as a child.

I spend all my Holiday programmes desperately trying to have a look at golf courses Craig Doyle

"I used to follow all my favourite golfers around - usually Seve Ballesteros.

"Nick Faldo told me to 'eff off once, so that was quite exciting."

With the Holiday programme, Doyle has travelled to some of the most beautiful places in the world, reporting on where to go and what to see.

But the 32-year-old has never missed an opportunity to play a few sneaky rounds while on location.

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"I spend all my Holiday programmes desperately trying to have a look at golf courses.

"I managed to play at Valderrama that way and a few others."

Although Doyle has been concentrating on sports journalism more recently, working for BBC Sport at Wimbledon and big horse racing meetings, Sandwich will mark his Open debut.

And he is already looking forward to meeting some of golf's biggest names.

"Never mind the players, the commentary team excite me. Alex Hay and Peter Alliss - I've been listening to them since I was a kid.

"Sport's an amazing thing at the BBC - you have to really earn your stripes. I'm the complete new boy and I respect that. I'm just delighted to be there. "

Open pundit predictions

As for his pick to win the old Claret Jug, Doyle thinks defending champion Ernie Els will be the one to beat, but is hoping a certain compatriot can do the deed.

"I'd love to see Padraig Harrington win it. He has a major in him but it's difficult," said Doyle.