While Denis O'Sullivan was winning the Irish Amateur Close title at Westport in 1985, Tony Jacklin was plotting Europe's first victory in the Ryder Cup. Now, 16 years on, they become unlikely playing partners today in the opening round of the AIB Irish Seniors Open at Powerscourt.

As it happens, the other member of what is unquestionably the day's top three-ball (11.25 a.m.), is Noel Ratcliffe, leader of the Senior Order of Merit last season. Yet, in a quality field of 90, it would be folly to take a narrow view of the prospective champion on Sunday evening.

"I can see a strange face winning it," predicted Ireland's Eddie Polland, in a reference to unsettled form entering this, only the third tournament of the season.

Two years ago, Jacklin, after finishing fourth to Neil Coles in the Energis Senior Masters at Wentworth, bade the tour an emotional farewell, announcing his retirement.

"I was over-golfed at that time and I just wasn't enjoying myself," he said yesterday. "When the opportunity came up to play here this week, I was more than happy to accept. I have always loved coming to Ireland, going back to the time when I shared a room on tour with Christy (O'Connor Snr)."

Now attached to the Greenbrier, the West Virginia resort made famous by Sam Snead, Jacklin plans to play three more events in Europe this year, including the Senior British Open at Royal Co Down in July.

Meanwhile, O'Sullivan has his heart set on winning this weekend. "My game has improved enormously over the last year and I can feel the benefit of a week's practice at San Roque (Spain) last month," he said. "I couldn't imagine a better start than to win here in front of my supporters."

The recent spell of delightful weather has done wonders for the course which is being played mainly off the men's medal tees for an overall length of 6,589 yards. Fairways are running fast and the treacherously undulating greens are certain to present a searching challenge in the quest of a top prize of £42,000 from a record fund of £250,000.