The Irish Open, one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Europe, is all set to take place at the Royal County Down in Northern Ireland from 12-15 September. The tournament, which has a rich history dating back to 1927, has been a platform for many golfing greats to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves in the world of golf. With a star-studded lineup of golfers, including home stars Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, the tournament promises to be an exciting and thrilling experience for golf enthusiasts. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Irish Open, the course at Royal County Down, and what makes this tournament so special.
A Brief History of the Irish Open
The Irish Open, first held in 1927 at Portmarnock in Dublin, has a storied history that spans over nine decades. The tournament was initially dominated by British golfers, but over the years, it has become a platform for golfers from all over the world to participate and compete. One of the most notable moments in the history of the Irish Open was when Seve Ballesteros won the tournament three times in four years in the 1980s, a feat that highlights the tournament’s growing reputation as a premier golfing event. The tournament has also been won by other golfing greats such as Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, and Colin Montgomerie.
After a brief hiatus in the 1950s and 1960s, the tournament was revived in 1975 and has since become a regular feature on the European Tour calendar. In recent years, the Irish Open has been won by golfers such as Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Padraig Harrington, further solidifying its reputation as a premier golfing tournament.
The Course at Royal County Down
The Royal County Down Golf Club, located in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, is one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world. With a rich history dating back to 1889, the course was originally designed by Old Tom Morris and has since undergone several changes and refinements over the years. The course, which stretches over 7,186 yards, is characterized by its dramatic elevation changes, blind shots, and strategically placed bunkers, making it a true test of golfing skills.
The course has been consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in the world by various golfing publications and has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments over the years, including the Irish Open. The course is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Mountains of Mourne providing a picturesque backdrop to the game.
The conditions at Royal County Down are expected to be dry and sunny for the practice days and Thursday’s first round, with light rain and a moderate breeze forecast for Friday and Saturday. However, golfers can look forward to a beautiful and sunny day on Sunday, with temperatures expected to reach 17 degrees centigrade.
The Layout of the Course
The layout of the course at Royal County Down is designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels. The course features a mix of short and long holes, with strategically placed bunkers and dramatic elevation changes. The greens are surprisingly flat, given the rugged terrain, but require a steady hand and a keen eye to navigate successfully.
One of the most notable features of the course is the use of dense marram grasses and impenetrable clumps of heather, which line the bunkers and demand accurate shots to avoid a trip to the sand. The course is also characterized by numerous blind shots, which require golfers to trust their instincts and skills to navigate successfully.
Key Holes to Watch
There are several key holes at Royal County Down that golfers will need to navigate successfully if they hope to win the tournament. One of the most notable holes is the 16th, which requires a precise shot over water to a narrow green. This hole is particularly challenging and demands a steady hand and a keen eye to navigate successfully.
Other key holes to watch include the 1st, which demands a long and accurate drive to start the round off on the right foot, and the 17th, which requires a precise shot to a sloping green.
The Contenders
This year’s Irish Open has a star-studded lineup of golfers, including home stars Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, who are both looking to make a strong showing on home soil. Other notable contenders include Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who is looking to become the first player to win the Scottish and Irish Open titles in the same year, and England’s Aaron Rai, who finished second at the tournament four years ago.
Other hopefuls include Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen, who won the event at Royal County Down in 2015, and Sweden’s Vincent Norrman, who will be defending his title after his closing 65 clinched a one-stroke victory at the K Club last year. With a strong lineup of golfers and a challenging course to navigate, the tournament promises to be a thrilling and exciting experience for golf enthusiasts.
Young Golfers to Watch
One of the most exciting aspects of the Irish Open is the opportunity to see young golfers make their mark on the tournament. This year’s event features several young golfers who are looking to make a name for themselves in the world of golf. One notable young golfer to watch is England’s Daniel Brown, who has shown great promise in recent tournaments and could be a contender for the top prize.
Other young golfers to watch include South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence, who finished fourth at this year’s Open Championship, and Scotland’s Calum Hill, who has shown great promise in recent tournaments. With a strong lineup of young golfers, the future of golf looks bright, and the Irish Open is the perfect platform for them to showcase their skills.
Prize Money
The winner of this year’s Irish Open will receive a prize of £780,000, in addition to 5,000 Race to Dubai points and 1,500 European Ryder Cup points. The tournament promises to be a thrilling and exciting experience for golf enthusiasts, with a strong lineup of golfers competing for the top prize.