Closer look: Course shines for 2014 Irish Open at Fota Island Resort in County Cork, Ireland

FOTA ISLAND, Ireland -- The 27-hole Fota Island Resort is no stranger to the Irish Open, but much has changed since the event visited in 2001 and 2002.

The 7,043-yard, par-71 Deerpark Course, designed by Jeff Howes on the outskirts of Cork, plays much longer thanks to the addition of new tees on all the par 5s and another one in a scenic spot along the water of the sixth hole, creating a dramatic blind drive on a short par 4.

The 131-room hotel and its 90 lodges were built within the last eight years, giving the players a comfortable place to stay for the week. Even though the European Tour has struggled to find a permanent corporate sponsor, the tournament field doesn't look like a second-tier event. The local talent -- Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell and Michael Hoey and Ireland's Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry -- continues to support the tournament and help draw bigger crowds.