IN SOME cases, it could well he termed the last chance saloon, given that the six-man Irish team for the European Championship will be selected at the end of the championship. But Fota Island Golf Club, playing host to the Irish Amateur Open, which starts today, is set to provide a truly fine test of golf in its own right.

Since last year, when Keith Nolan won the title here, the course has undergone some impressive changes. Eleven new bunkers have been added and three greens - the fourth, seventh and 15th - have been reshaped. The championship tees have been extended at the fifth, sixth and eighth holes.

But the change likely to have most impact of all is that the fourth hole, which has been reduced in length by 38 yards and will now play as a 463-yard par four (instead of a par five).

Walker Cup player Jody Fanagan has overcome a back injury and Sean Quinlivan, who won the East of Ireland title earlier this month, is also in the field.

However, interest is likely to focus on Nolan, who is defending his title, and Richard Coughlan, who both put in impressive performances in the recent NCAA Championships in Chigago.

Nolan, regarded a an exceptionally big hitter, will probably start as favourite, but the quality line-up - which also includes Garth McGimpsey, Bryan Omelia, John Morris and Noel Fox - should ensure an interesting few of days.