Padraig Harrington has confirmed he will defend his Irish PGA Championship title at The European Club (July 9-12) ahead of the Open.
The Dubliner, who won at the County Wicklow venue last year, will be gunning for a fifth Irish PGA title.
More importantly he will utilise the links test to ready him for Royal Birkdale where he will be hoping for a repeat of his historic Open Championship triumph in 2007.
"I am looking forward to defending my title and delighted to support the PGA Irish region," said Harrington.
"I believe that the fantastic challenge provided by the European Club was the ideal links golf preparation for The Open Championship last year and I hope it proves to be the same in 2008."
Twelve months ago, Harrington had to call on his skill and nerve as he edged Headfort pro Brendan McGovern in a play-off.
Harrington had run up a triple bogey seven at the 17th but the Ryder Cup ace pulled out a birdie at the last to level the argument, forcing the players down the 18th again where McGovern found the rough and Open champion two putted from 45 feet to clinch victory.
The Irish PGA Championship is the oldest professional championship in Ireland and was first played in 1907.