What To Watch For At Golf’s Irish Open

This weekend will see some of the world’s greatest golfers assemble in Co. Clare, as the Irish Open swings into action. Starting this Thursday, and broadcast on Sky Sports Golf, Virgin TV 404, the tournament will see Paul McGinley act as the host with the most, as the battle to be crowned king of the course gets underway.

 

So what should you be keeping your eyes peeled for across the weekend? Well, we could say dynamic driving, precise pitching and perfect putting – but you already knew that! Instead, here’s a few more things to be on the lookout for as the competition progresses…

 

 

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

While the Wild Atlantic Way isn’t exactly a secret anymore, you reckon many viewers across the continent – and the world – will be in for an altogether scenic surprise when they see Lahinch Golf Club! A renowned links course in its own right, it also happens to sit smack dab in the middle of a landscape taken straight from a postcard. Even inclement weather wouldn’t be enough to ruin the view!

 

 

 

 

HOME FAVOURITES

While Rory McIlroy is giving this year’s renewal a miss, there’s no shortage of Irish interest, including Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell and Shane Lowry. Of course, it was Lowry who entered the 2009 tournament as a relative unknown amateur and ended up winning the whole thing – so it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that the likes of Cormac Sharvin and Gavin Moynihan might be in dreamland come Sunday evening!

 

 

 

 

THE STARS ARE IN TOWN

From major winners like Martin Kaymar, Louis Oosthuizen and Danny Willett to Ryder Cup heroes including Ian Poulter, Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Westwood, the roll-call of luminaries set for Lahinch is a long one! Throw in former winner Jon Rahm, his compatriot Rafa Cabrera Bello, and a host of other top names, and you’re looking at one stacked field to tee off come Thursday morning!

 

 

 

 

DRAMA!!!

Last year’s tournament saw one of the most dramatic conclusions to any event in years, when a pair of 35-foot birdies saw Russell Knox first force a playoff, then scoop the event on the first sudden-death hole. The year before saw the aforementioned Rahm shoot a tournament record –24 to claim the crown. Before that, the K Club crowd was sent into raptures as Rory McIlroy triumphed. And on, and on, and on. This tournament rarely fails to deliver something worth shouting about – and this year should be no different!

 

 

 

 

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