– AND THE HOLES – TO ATL A DOUGHERTY t

NICK

WE’VE had one Cinderella story in the past few months – it would be too much to expect another. Wouldn’t it?

Tiger Woods’ victory at Augusta was one of the greatest comebacks of all time and the stage is set at Royal Portrush for a different slice of romanticism.

Tiger’s achievement in Georgia temporarily made me take leave of myself on air – it was a fantastic sporting story.

Now, on a global stage it may not be eclipsed by the sight of Rory McIlroy – or Darren Clarke or Graeme McDowell – walking down the 18th set against the backdrop of a roaring gallery next Sunday night.

But it wouldn’t fall far short in the eyes of the public.

After a 68-year hiatus in The Open schedule, to mark a return by one of their own lifting the Claret Jug – well, that would be something special.

For Clarke, who now calls Portrush his home, and McDowell, who grew up playing there, it would tug at the heart-strings for different reasons.

But, of that trio, McIlroy – who learned his trade down the road at Holywood – has the best chance and I think there’s one word which sums up why this year, he is likely to be in the shake-up. Consistency.

His recent results suggest he is finding a level somewhere near the top of the game and I think he is striking the ball incredibly well.

If you look at his run – he won the Players’ Championship at Sawgrass three months ago and has posted top-10 finishes in the PGA and the US Open – he’s not too far away.

But, if he is going to hog the headlines, he is going to have to becalm Portrush – which is a true links course. It hasn’t been a fixture on the R & A’s calendar, but next week should showcase it.

Extensive work has been done during the past 18 months to reshape chunks of the course – and has added to its charm.

I’ve been down there this week, filming.

The first thing is that it is not overly long. There will be occasions where those boys who are clearing 330 yards will fancy their chances of dropping it on the green.

But what has to be taken into consideration are the conditions.

On the first day we were there, there was just a gentle breeze. If that was replicated over four days, you could see a score of 20 under par winning the tournament.

But, 24 hours later, a wind of around 15mph was sweeping in off the Atlantic. It can get way gustier – 25mph makes life very uncomfortable – and, when that happens, you can find yourself frittering away shots at a horrible rate of knots. It’s a tempter, too. There are holes where you can play risk-and-reward golf – if brave enough. Yes, it is one where those who can manipulate bal l flight will eventually emerge as frontrunners.

Each one of the 72 holes will be different and the top boys will love the variety and relish the challenge.

The older professionals will have played in the Dunhill or the Dunhill Cup at Portrush. Some of the newer breed may not.

It may only be a small point – but that can make a big difference.

And that’s the beauty of a true links course.

Portrush is all of that – and more – and I’m sure by the end of next Sunday we will be welcoming it back into the fold with open arms after it plays host to what I’m sure will be a fascinating and exciting four days.

With, of course, that fairytale ending.