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Flogas Brand Ambassador Gary Murphy - Irish Open 2024

Royal County Down is back on the global map this week at the Amgen Irish Open. It is a huge undertaking to host a professional golf tournament at this level, and for a course and club of its quality, I do feel it is giving back to the sport.

Royal County Down is on the A list for the golfing tourist and possibly doesn't need the exposure. It is nice to see them support the professional game and, in tandem, bring the show to their area. The financial windfall spreads wide for these events.

Rory Mcllroy is the star attraction and will headline. He has a disappointing playing record, with only one win in his 14 starts as a professional. Most of the talk around Rory is can he add to his major haul. Padraig Harrington felt in 2007 that his Irish Open win in Adare Manor was the glass ceiling required to start his major run. It had been 25 years since a home winner and National Open pressure is a different beast.

Rory had been well below his brilliant best in Northern Ireland with three missed cuts in his last three starts, including here in '15, Portstewart in '17, and the Open in '19. He has started all those tournaments as the outright favourite. I feel he can use this week as a catalyst to unlock his major winning ways. The challenge is a major-level course, and the expectations are heightened. He also has scope for improvement, which is difficult to find when you have had an amazing career to date. Looking for that something is always the source of discovery to improvement. I hope he embraces the week in a calm and trepidatious manner. In my opinion, that is his major secret; just to try and unlock his mojo without everything being perfect. There is no doubt he is not firing on all cylinders and winning in that space would be so rewarding.

It is almost impossible to do perfectly around Royal County Down because it wants to throw you a curve ball at every corner. He restored the Irish Open to its current glory alongside Colm Mcloughlin at Dubai Duty Free. Hopefully, this week can be the catalyst to unlock the major secret.

Shane Lowry returns home after his best-ever Fed Ex Cup campaign. He should be thrilled and delighted with himself. He also has the hurt of the K club last year to feed off and try to go one better this week. He will forever be remembered for his win as an amateur in Co. Louth Golf Club in '09. I do feel that his desire to add a professional win is charged and a bucket list. It is the easy option to come home and rest on your laurels, but Lowry is moving through the gears in his career and must demand more victories. It is also the start of the Ryder Cup race. He will be keen to get selection through the automatic channels. The next few months are key to getting that fast start and keeping the focus on the course. Whilst he, too, has had a brilliant career, there are always mountains to climb. Mourne would be one this week that would tick a big box. It is also great preparation for his return to Portrush next year.

Dealing with the hassle and demands outside of golf can, at times, determine the golfing outcome. This week is nice preparation for the Open next year. Exciting times but also important in the pursuit of more.

The supporting cast this week among the Irish also brings hope, and many have a live chance to have a fantastic week.

The Solheim Cup is a welcome week for Leona Maguire. She will relish the return to this format. Her unbeaten debut stateside put her on the map. No doubt she has pressed on with 2 LPGA wins and also this year with her first LET win.

The Women's KPMG IRISH Open proved her star billing a few weeks ago at Carton House. The excitement and unique qualities that matchplay team golf serves up seems to suit her game. The Americans will be keen to avenge their last defeat on home soil. Spain was also a disappointing return to tie and allow Europe to retain the trophy. Maguire will be hoping to play a huge role in hanging onto that trophy. These tournaments are a wonderful showcase for the sport but how you perform out the other side is also more crucial. Leona needs a bounce to finish off her season in style. Hopefully, playing her part in another European win will be the secret sauce.

 

Picks

Simon Thornton top 20.

Rory Mcllroy to win.

Tom McKibben to place.

Jordan Smith to place.

Joe Dean to place