IRISH SENIOR OPEN:DES SMYTH is hoping home comforts can help him become the first Irish winner in the 14-year history of the Handa Irish Senior Open as he is reunited with his Ryder Cup winning colleagues of 2006.

The 57-year-old is making the short commute from his home in Drogheda to this week’s venue at Carton House in Kildare, where he will compete against Ian Woosnam over the Montgomerie Course, having been an assistant captain under the Welshman at The K Club four years ago.

Smyth is back playing full-time on the Senior Tour after six years of splitting his schedule with the US Champions Tour and feels home soil is the perfect place to capture his third Senior Tour title and first victory since the Wentworth Senior Masters in 2007.

“I always try to build up to this event,” said Smyth, who is one of 12 Irish golfers in the field. “This is a big week for me. I should have won it in 2008 when I was runner-up to Juan Quiros at Ballyliffin and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I’m very keen to play well this week. It’s a great field and there’s a nice buzz about the place.

Smyth and Woosnam will be joined by two-time major champion Sandy Lyle and DJ Russell, the two other assistant captains from The K Club.

Woosnam is the defending champion having beaten American Bob Boyd in a play-off at Ballybunion after coming from six shots back on the final day.