Brighton-based Michael Campbell was playing his first tournament since winning the the US Open today.

Campbell is one of the star names in the field for the Smurfit European Open at the K Club near Dublin.

The 36-year-old Maori pulled out of the French Open in Paris last week so that he could bring the trophy back to his Brighton home to show it to wife Julie and their sons Thomas and Jordan.

Campbell beat world No. 1 Tiger Woods to win his first Major on a dramatic final day at Pinehurst ten days ago.

Also in the field today are Retief Goosen, the 2004 US Open champions, and Padraig Harrington, winner of his second US Tour title on Sunday.

There is also sure to be a big cheer for Darren Clarke, who returns to action a month after pulling out of the BMW Championship at Wentworth to be with his wife Heather in her battle against cancer.

New Zealander Campbell will be trying to emulate Goosen.

The South Africans next appearance after capturing the US Open last year was in the European Open which he went on to win as well.

Goosen will be attempting to show that his closing 81 at Pinehurst, from three ahead with a round to play, has left no lasting scars.

Campbell, who had to qualify for the US Open, also has one European Open title to his name, having won a dramatic finish against Harrington in 2002.

Paul Lawrie, Tom Lehman, Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam complete the line-up of major champions in the field.

The relevance of Lehmans presence is that this is the course on which next years Ryder Cup will be staged and he and Woosnam are the opposing captains.

It will be Lehmans third appearance in the tournament, having finished tied for ninth place, seven shots adrift of winner Bernhard Langer, on his debut in 1995, and a share of 33rd place in 1996.

Obviously playing the golf course where the Ryder Cup will be staged next year will make this week extra special for me, said the American Open champion in 1999. I have always enjoyed my trips to Europe in the past and to Ireland in particular and I am sure this week will provide me with more memories to treasure.

Goosen looked every inch the defending champion at the European Opentoday. The South African birdied three of his first four holes, then rolled in a 35- foot eagle putt at the 537-yard 18th to be five under par and two clear.