He won by six at Portrush two years ago.
Shane Lowry says the one-year delay to his Open title defence could benefit him going into this year's competition at Royal St George's - which begins on Thursday.
The Offaly man cruised to a six-shot victory at Portrush two years ago.
Lowry's hoping to secure the 149th Open as well:
The Clara man will play in a group with US Open champion Jon Rahm and former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen for the first two rounds.
Lowry will start the defence of the Claret Jug at Royal St. George's just before 10 on Thursday morning.
Rory McIlroy, going for a first major win since 2014, is out after 3 alongside Cameron Smith and former Masters champion Patrick Reed.
Two-time Open champion Padraig Harrington has Australian Brad Kennedy and qualifier Sam Forgan in his group - they tee off before 1.
2011 champion Darren Clarke will tee off at 8.30 with Bernd Wiesberger and amateur Joe Long.
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