Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
They gave us a Lahinch and we all took a smile
THIS year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open gifted us a week of golf and memories to cherish.
Best ever Irish Open? Possibly. That’s how unforgettable it was.
Lahinch has always held a special place in my heart but this was the finest week I’ve experienced on the charming Co Clare links.
The vibrant on-course atmosphere was remarkable, as was the carnival mood among spectators in the evening.
Tournament host Paul Mcginley thought outside the box and he was rewarded with a spectacular success.
Lahinch has definitely set a high benchmark for future Irish Opens.
It is well documented spectator numbers have been dwindling for certain tournaments in recent years and getting the public through the gates can be a tough sell.
That wasn’t the case at Lahinch where the quirky course and unique setting created and encouraged a fan friendly dynamic. It helped that the course backs on to o the town which was buzzing with noise, colour and life throughout.
The visual backdrop of the Atlantic was also amazing.
You can see why many Americans call it “the St Andrews of f Ireland”.
McG in leyw as eager to broaden the event’s customer base and he succeeded, with avid golf fans, families and party revellers mixing freely to create a buoyant atmosphere. I’m not suggesting golf should be a sideshow to the festival vibe but keeping the week as inclusive as it was a at Lahinch has to b be the blueprint m moving forward. Ensuring the I Irish Open is a d date local golf fans – keen and casual – rush to pencil i into their diaries i is crucial for the f future appeal and success of the t tournament. Many thought Rory Mcilroy’s absence would be a hammer blow to this year’s event but the reality is he wasn’t missed.
That’s no slight on Rory, just great
Jon Rahm was a fitting winner to a brilliant Mcginley-inspired event
credit to Lahinch Golf Club, Simon Alliss and his hard working team on the European Tour.
If you cannot get a home winner at a national open, a marquee name striding down the 18th fairway is the next best thing. Step forward Jon Rahm who scythed through the field with a 64 on Saturday and stunning final round 62 to record a winning total of 16-under.
Having also won the 2017 Irish Open at Portstewart, Rahm is conducting his very own love affair with Ireland’s golfing public.
Long may it continue. The World No.8 is box office and at only 24 years of age, it’s frightening to think what he can go on to achieve in the game.
Rahm will be one of the favourites when the Open Championship descends on the storied links of Royal Portrush next week.
After Lahinch, I can’t wait.