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.
The resurgent Seamus Power
Seamus Power is returning home a totally different player that made the journey under the radar in 2019 at Lahinch.
He is the co-headline act this week and will have the glare of attention on him. It is a wonderful spot now in his career and he will be delighted to accept and embrace his new status.
Power is from just down the road in Waterford so he will have that added spice to perform well in front of the Kilkenny crowd. His stats this year have proven that he is a complete player, and all facets of his game are exceptional.
The Irish Open week is always a different and special buzz and with some luck it can carry that extra percentile that can garnish an emotional performance.
The buzz and energy of the crowd is different to regular weeks, but you need to absorb it and use the hype to your advantage.
It will be new territory for Power, but I have no doubt he will delight in the energy.
The joys of a full house
This week will also be a huge opportunity for the other home players to enjoy and revel in the atmosphere of a full house Irish Open.
The increased prize fund of €6m also is a chance to make a big payday and vault up the money list.
The gap between our stars and the next generation is huge at the moment, but one week can change the direction of a season - and a career. We have seen it in the Irish Open before, of course.
Mark Power and Colin Campbell will be our two amateur players dreaming of doing a Shane Lowry. Mark is from Kilkenny, so it will be extra special.
He did play in 2020 and again last year and he must use this platform to showcase his talent. Professional golf could be in his future so a good showing this week will help him on that journey.
To get to the weekend is the goal for both, anything else is extra profit. They will learn a lot about their games this week and hopefully bring back some confidence for the remainder of the amateur calendar.
We have seen amateurs come out and be ready to compete so both should expect plenty of themselves. Just play their games and not try to over-extend.
Colin had a wonderful win at the Flogas Irish Amateur at The Island Golf Club that got him his spot. I wish them well as it is a wonderful experience to rub shoulders with the pros.
Horizon Irish Open
Adrian Meronk 28/1: Stats and form should blend for a good week.
Adri Arnaus 40/1: His power has to make Mount Juliet a good fit.
Dean Burmester 50/1: Hopefully his talent shines through this week.
Pablo Larrazabal 33/1: Ticks a lot of boxes for a big finish on Sunday.
John Deere
Nicky Hardy 28/1: Form is trending nicely.
Maverick McNeally 25/1: Solid season with no fuss and might suit this set up.
Danny McCarthy 28/1: The Tour's best putter should relish this week.
