AT the moment, Liam Higgins is the only Irish player assured of a place in the inaugural Irish Seniors Open at St Margarets on May 16th to 18th. Not surprisingly, this decidedly curious situation has prompted an extremely angry response from prospective challengers in this country.

"I consider it outrageous that the event is not what it purports to be open," was yesterday's reaction from a Dublin based senior player, who didn't wish to be named. "It is particularly disappointing in view of the fact that the tournament is being supported by Government money.

Another senior Irish professional, Bobby Browne, shared that view, though in somewhat calmer tones. "It is an unfortunate title for the event" he said. "In fact it would be more accurate to call it a pro am, rather than a tournament."

Full details are to be officially announced later this month, but it is clear that it will have a limited, 44 man field of whom four competitors will receive sponsor's invitations. I understand it will be multi sponsored, with the Government providing cash through Bord Failte, as they have done for the Murphy's Irish Open, the Smurfit European Open and the Guardian Irish Women's Open.

Prize money, at £75,000 will on a par with events in Sweden and the Czech Republic but only half the fund for the Turkish Seniors Open, which launches this season's tour on May 9th to 11th.

Andy Stubbs, managing director of the European Seniors Tour, believes that their approach to the St Margarets event is entirely reasonable. "We have had to start on a modest basis," he said. "Our intention, however, is to expand it to a 90 man event next year, with increased prize money in the region of £90,000."

As to the representation of home professionals, Stubbs went on: "It is true that Liam Higgins is the only exempted Irish player at this stage. But Michael Murphy is on the borderline. And it can be assumed that Irish players will be given preference where sponsors' invitations are concerned."

In this context, it seems likely that Christy O'Connor Snr will be invited. But there is no guaranteed place for Arthur Spring, who was the only Irish qualifier from the Seniors Tour School last autumn, when he finished 18th.

The format for the week's activities at St Margaret's is a pre tournament pro am on the Thursday. Then there will be another pro am on the Friday, which will also act as the opening round of a 54 hole tournament for the professionals. They will then play on their own on Saturday and Sunday, with no cut.

"The field is limited with a view to giving competitors the chance of covering their expenses," added Stubbs. "First prize will be £12,500 and the last man will receive about £500." He went on: "I can understand that certain players will be disappointed but they should appreciate that we are making considerable progress."