SHE IS a temptress. A gentle breeze did little more than ruffle the hairs of the players, either out on the course or on the practice ground, on the eve of the £1 million Alfred Dunhill Cup at St Andrews yesterday. Yet the unseasonal, rather benign, weather didn't lull anyone into a false sense of security. The grand old lady has many moods.
"This course can play in 20 different ways depending on the wind," said Paul McGinley, who will fulfil the captain's duties in a team which also features Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington.
Still, one sensed the three inform players are relishing the prospect of augmenting Ireland's fine tradition in the event, perhaps even reclaiming the trophy last captured in 1990. Given the formidable strength of the field, yesterday's draw was as kind as the Irish could have wished for.
When the slips of paper were drawn from the drums in the Old Course Hotel, Ireland were pitted in Group Three, along with third seeds South Africa, Canada and Wales. The Welsh - minus Ian Woosnam whose bad back forced his defection - will provide Ireland's initial obstacle, with Clarke playing at number one against Mark Mouland, McGinley facing Paul Affleck and debut boy Harrington up against Philip Price.
"I suppose it's a reasonably good draw," admitted McGinley. "But it is never easy in this format. You have to win your group to progress so it means there is no room to relax."
Nevertheless, avoiding the USA, who are favourites and number one seeds, was something of a bonus, while holders Scotland have been landed in the so called "Group of Death" with Zimbabwe, Sweden and unfortunate debutants India.
Dub liner McGinley has been handed the captaincy role, although he said "it is more a figurehead position, I won't make any decision without consulting Darren or Padraig". McGinley's first duty, however, was to handpick the first match and he decided to pit Clarke against Wales's top player Mouland.
"Darren's win in Germany last week has boosted morale, there is an amazing lift when someone wins a tournament and, I must say, there is a great team spirit. Darren is our top man, the inform player. He loves to get out ahead, to tale on another team's number one.
For McGinley and Clarke, this is a third Dunhill Cup appearance. Harrington is making his debut. Yet the 25 year old Dubliner exudes the sort of confidence which has made his rookie year such a success. "I love it here the atmosphere, the course. Everything about it. It is a thinking player's course, it can play in so many different ways. Personally, I hope the wind doesn't change too much, otherwise I could struggle a little."
But there is a general feel good aura in the Irish camp. Last weekend's performances in the German Masters have made other nations aware of the players' current form, with Harrington quipping: "I hope we haven't peaked too soon.
Indeed, there was one favourable reaction from the respective performances in Germany when Ireland were promoted to sixth seeds (they were ranked seventh before Berlin) which enabled them to avoid Australia in the draw.
Yet there is an awareness that they will have to play well to beat any team. The medal stroke play format may be an unfamiliar one in a competitive sense but it is one which the players play in week in week out in practice. A win today over Wales, however, is vital and McGinley made the point: "We need to win well, just in case, it all comes down to countback".
Realistically, South Africa are the main rivals to Ireland in Group Three and if all goes according to expectations, the pair will meet on Saturday to decide the semi finalists. The South Africans have been hit by the late withdrawal of David Frost - replaced by Wayne Westner. Yet with Ernie Els and Retief Goosen also in the team, they have three big hitters, a considerable advantage around this course.
"We have a good team, we are all on form and I feel we will put up a good show," said Els. "I really think we have a good chance this week."
Such a mood of optimism abounds everywhere it seems and perhaps only a wind ripping in from the North Sea will dissipate such confidence.
The Americans, as usual, are strong. Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker and Mark O'Meara are all in the world's top 15. The team captain, Mickelson, opted to play O'Meara, a noted wind player, in the top match today against Italy's Costantino Rocca, a man who has fond memories of St Andrews.
"I know it is going to be tough to win," said Mickelson. "There are some good teams here. But we have as good a chance as anybody. Myself, Mark O'Meara and Steve Stricker have all enjoyed exceptionally good years and it is a good opportunity to come over here and represent the United States."
Elsewhere, similar words were expressed by Greg Norman. "Australia haven't done the job we wanted, or expected, over the last few years. This year, we are a little more keyed up and I think our chances are pretty good."
So, the scene is set for an intriguing four days of competition with the incentive of £100,000 to each member of the winning team come Sunday evening. There is only one certainty about playing St Andrews - expect the unexpected. With the wind notorious for changing direction and the ample bunkers waiting to gobble up errant balls, luck as much as anything could be the deciding factor.
