Shane Lowry is the Irish Open's pre-tournament favourite and that is not a mantle he gets to savour very often.
Lowry didn’t reach his normal heights at Mount Juliet last year so he will be extra keen to mount a stern challenge for another Irish Open title.
His victory as an amateur in county Louth Golf Club in 2009 will live long in the memory, but he will be keen for that first professional victory.
It is well within his wheelhouse to contend and set the bar for others to catch him. A fast start would be great to build the hype.
His season on the PGA Tour has been awash with great play that just needs the finishing touch of victory.
The field depth is less than what he faces week in week out on in the States so on paper we are hoping for that regular Tour form that will see him contend.
There is also a weight of expectation on Lowry to fly the home flag. That is something that should be embrace. This is a homecoming week that he can hopefully ride the weight of the crowds emotion and perform.
Shane knows and wants to help carry the tournament. He will also realise that it is a great opportunity to win.
It has to be said that the field is disappointing, and many other factors are at play which has diluted the strength in depth in evidence. But a strong tilt by the Clara man would make up for that.
The loss of Rory McIlroy is irreplaceable as he is the most noticeable player in the sport without Tiger. It is a huge disappointment that he is not playing because I believe it is not too much to ask.
I understand he saved the tournament in 2015 and has repaid that debt but I feel it is incumbent on players to play their national open.
I do believe dialogue with star players is key to this and the tour have not massaged this relationship correctly over the years.
Padraig Harrington has never missed an Irish Open since he turned professional. It will be great to see him gain some more and new acclaim as he has added another major to his cv.
Also on the plus side, it will be a homecoming to savour for Seamus Power. The crowds will be back in full force selling out the Kilkenny venue.
Both the Irish Open and Mount Juliet have a rich history together.
It is also shaping up to be a normal tournament for the first time since Lahinch is 2019. The crowds that week cheered home Jon Rahm - and so defending champion Lucas Herbert can expect a thrilling few days trying to defend his title.
The new title sponsor Horizon will get their first taste of the DP World Tour and, with their ambassador Harrington returning as a new US Senior Open champion, we are set for an exciting week.
The hope is always that the home players will add the steel to the challenge as the buzz of expectation is so much greater with a home favourite in the mix. So here's hoping.
