It could be the turn of Joakim Haeggman or Michael Jonzon, or perhaps one of the younger brigade such as Christopher Hanell. With 18 of them in the field, it's not easy picking a Swedish winner of the Stg£1.35 million Smurfit European Open, which begins at The K Club this morning.
Naturally, their rivals see the success of Per-Ulrik Johansson in 1996 and 1997 and of Mathias Gronberg last year as nothing more than a happy coincidence for the Scandinavians. And the line-up is especially strong on this occasion with British Open champion Paul Lawrie joining Colin Montgomerie and last Sunday's Dutch Open champion, Lee Westwood.
Either way, the magnificent layout by the Liffey has never looked better. The fairways would be viewed as enviable putting surfaces by some of the country's more reputable establishments, while the greens themselves have responded dramatically to the expert care of superintendent Gerry Byrne.
Competitors are especially taken with the splendid floral backdrop to the uphill 14th, which greatly enhances the appeal of an admirably testing, 416-yard par four. Even the strategic placement of several hundred new trees around the layout, however, should not be construed as a kneejerk reaction to Gronberg's 13under-par winning aggregate of 12 months ago.
As it happens, the rough is a few inches shorter than it was then. Which means that the green is reachable from a pulled drive at the treacherous 16th. On other holes, however, the ability to get at the ball can be offset by obtrusive foliage.
From a general perspective, the ingredients are in place for a test worthy of a prize fund which is the largest for a European Tour event this season and second only to the British Open.
Not least among these is the presence of Sergio Garcia, who will be attempting to complete an "Emerald Double", by adding this title to his Murphy's Irish Open success of four weeks ago.
"It's a great course and I'm happy with the way I'm playing," said the 19-year-old, who did much to exorcise the horrors of 172 for 36 holes at Carnoustie by winning a 54-hole Spanish regional tournament in Valencia last Saturday. "It's nice to be back in Ireland."
The practice area offered sharply contrasting images yesterday as competitors finalised their preparations for battle. Predictably, there was the line of players hitting balls towards the Kildare Country Club Hotel, party hidden by majestic trees. Meanwhile, totally isolated, about 25 yards back, was the figure of Darren Clarke, supine on the grass, eyes shut and with the bright sun on his face.
"My little recess," he said with a relaxed grin. Under a more probing examination he then spoke of how close he had come to peak form during the Dutch Open last weekend. "I had a real chance in Holland, but I didn't hole any putts over the closing nine holes and that cost me the chance of a serious challenge," he said. "As for my game, everything is where I want it to be. But you need a little bit of luck to win any tournament and I've afraid that's been deserting since my victory in the English Open."
Clarke went on: "I know the course well and it seems to get better every year, particularly the changes they have made in general presentation."
Jean Van de Velde remained upbeat yesterday about returning to competitive action in the wake of a disastrous collapse at Carnoustie. "My sponsors (Disneyland, Paris) contacted me to say they were thrilled with my performance," he said. "They were happy, though they haven't named a ride after me - yet. Maybe it will be Water Torture or the Van de Velde Splash."
With that sort of attitude, a naturally sporting Irish crowd will wish the Frenchman well. But competition is certain to be fierce, especially with the countdown to Ryder Cup selection gathering pace.
Meanwhile, memories are fresh as to how the then European skipper, Seve Ballesteros, arranged to be playing with Padraig Harrington over the opening two rounds in 1997. And how the Spaniard was less than supportive of the Irishman's Ryder Cup aspirations. On this occasion, Mark James and his assistant Sam Torrance are with Lawrie, one suspects as a courtesy to the Open champion, who is now certain to be in the European team.
Harrington is again in line for Ryder Cup selection, though he is now 19th in the table compared with 12th for the corresponding week two years ago. "It's pointless in me thinking about Brookline unless I win a big cheque," he said. "So it's quite a good position to be in."
If one were to take the pre-tournament betting as a guide, Lawrie's status as Open champion counts for little with Irish bookmakers, given that he was freely on offer this week at 50 to 1. In view of all he has had to cope with since Carnoustie, however, it is probably a fair reflection of his prospects.
Westwood, on the other hand, has made a habit of capitalising on a rich vein of form. Which could make him the man to beat - provided, of course, some Swede doesn't get in his way.
