This weekend, the European Tour heads to the Emerald Isle for the 61st playing of the Irish Open. That’s the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation for those keeping track. The event marks the tournament’s first trip to The K Club, host of the 2006 Ryder Cup and the now extinct European Open. Throughout its 90-year run, the Irish Open has seen plenty of notable moments, from unlikely champions to host venues earning their rightful place in the spotlight.
Before Rory & Co. arrive to County Kildare, here’s a quick stroll down memory lane.
1947 – Harry Bradshaw
It took 20 long years before the Irish Open produced its first champion from the Republic of Ireland. Harry Bradshaw did his homeland proud by taking home the crown at Royal Portrush. But despite its lofty perch in Irish golf, it would take over 60 years for the championship to return to the Dunluce Links. It finally did so in 2012, in many ways serving as Portrush’s audition for a role in The Open rota.
The 13th at Royal Portrush
2000 – Patrick Sjoland
Since 2000, five different Scandinavians have claimed victory at the Irish Open. The first to do so was Patrick Sjoland. What made the victory significant, however, wasn’t so much the who, but the where. Of the “Big 3” links of Southwest Ireland – Lahinch, Waterville, and Ballybunion – only the latter has ever hosted the country’s national championship. Logistical issues make large events in the region a challenge, but watching The Dell or Mulcahy’s Peak frustrate the world’s best players would certainly make for must-see TV.
The 11th at Ballybunion.
1976 – Ben Crenshaw
Long before he inspired the 1999 Ryder Cup team with a wag of his finger and talk of “fate,” Ben Crenshaw became the first American to win the Irish Open. He did so at Pormarnock outside of Dublin, which has hosted the tournament a record 19 times. It is also home to the magnificent par-3 15th hole… Or as Gentle Ben called it: “The shortest par-5 I have ever played.”
The 15th at Portmarnock.
2009 – Shane Lowry
Despite a heritage that dates to the era of Bobby Jones, it was Shane Lowry’s improbable victory in 2009 that marked the first by an amateur at the Irish Open. County Louth – better known as Baltray – served as host that year for just the second time, and was tapped the next year as a qualifying venue for The Open Championship at St. Andrews. The Baltray often flies under the radar of Irish links golf, but it’s safe to say Mr. Lowry will never forget his visit there. Even if he didn’t earn a dime in the process.
The 15th at County Louth.
1991 – Nick Faldo
As the first and only three-time champion in the history of the Irish Open, Nick Faldo began his record-setting run at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club. Within easy reach of the links of Waterville and Tralee, the Killeen course provides the best of both worlds as the finest of Ireland’s inland golf. It also pairs perfectly with the town of Killarney and the park that shares its name – a true must-visit for anyone in search of Golf and the Good Life on the Emerald Isle.
The 10th at Killarney Killeen.
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