Stenson will not only face the reigning European number one but also tackle the demanding layout which bears the name of the course architect - Colin Montgomerie - who designed the course in association with European Golf Design.

Montgomerie was rightly proud of many achievements in 2005, not least the notable feat of claiming his eighth European Tour Order of Merit title.

But away from the field of play, the thing which pleased him most was the high regard in which his course design was held, and the Scot cannot wait to return for a second year.

"For me, personally, last year’s Nissan Irish Open was a great success," he said.

"It is nice when people come off and praise a course that I am very, very proud of and I am delighted that my peers did just that. It also won the Golf World Magazine award for the best new course design in 2005 which was wonderful both for myself and for Carton House."

Last year Welshman Stephen Dodd took the title, defeating England’s David Howell at the first play-off hole after both players finished their 72 holes on nine under par 289.

In total, only 21 players finished under par and Montgomerie promised that this year will provide another stern examination.

He said: "The course last year was set up fairly, but it was tough. That way, it generally brings out the best golfers of the week."

An indication of how successful Montgomerie felt the course stood up to its first European Tour event, is the fact that there are few changes to the layout for this year’s tournament, which will feature a record prize fund of €2.2m.

He added: "I listened closely to the comments of my peers who played in the event last year and have taken them into account. The changes that have been made will hopefully just make the course play even better this time around.

Montgomerie himself was one of the players who did not manage to break par over four rounds last year, his one over par total of 289 seeing him finish in a share of 28th place.

However, the Scot aims to improve on that effort this time round.

"I am looking forward to competing again," he said.

"Last year’s finish was disappointing but it is not easy playing your own course. However, I am looking forward to the challenge again and there would, undoubtedly, be no greater thrill than winning on your own course."

"I think it might be easier for me this year because I will be a little bit more relaxed with people’s views about the course.

"For example, last year, I played with Michael Campbell who went in a bunker on our second hole on Thursday. He didn’t get it out first time and I was almost apologising to him.

"I think it did affect my own game, thinking about and wondering about what everyone was going to say about the place.

"But this year I can go there a bit more relaxed and enjoy the feeling that my peers are enjoying playing, in my view, one of the best courses on tour."