Club Profile - Royal Portrush

Opened in 1888, the world-renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club, host venue to the much anticipated 2012 Irish Open, is widely regarded as one of the best links layouts, and indeed one of the finest golf courses on the planet.

Sited on a particularly beautiful stretch of the North Antrim Causeway Coast, Portrush is constructed on an area of natural dune land with limestone cliffs on its eastern side, occupying a triangle of giant sand hills with views of the hills of Donegal to the west with the Isle of Islay and the Southern Hebrides to the north.

Portrush has two links courses, the Dunluce Links (the Irish Open Course) and the Valley Course. The course is overlooked by the ruins of the 13th-century Dunluce Castle, which gives its name to the Dunluce course.

Harry Colt designed the Dunluce Course in 1929 and since then has staged the Irish Open three times – in 1930, 1937 and 1947 – The Open Championship in 1951, and the Senior Open Championship from 1995 to 1999 and once again in 2004.

There have been championship tees built over the last few years to bring the Dunluce’s length up to modern professional standards, with changes being made to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, eighth, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th and 17th holes.

Open Champion Darren Clarke, who lives in the hills overlooking Portrush Golf Club, says the course is in superb condition ahead of the championship.

“The course is looking fantastic,” he said. “The European Tour agronomy team have done an incredible job to produce the golf course that they have. We had a tough couple of months there early in the year where there was very little rain and it was dry, it was cold, so there was no rough. 

“But the head green keeper here, Joe Findlay and Eddie and The European Tour, they have done an unbelievable job. And indeed the members of the course at Royal Portrush have put up with a lot to try and get the golf course up to the level that it’s at right now, which is outstanding.”

And another local man, born just minutes from the Dunluce Links, is 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell, and the 32 year old is thrilled that the Irish Open has returned to Northern Ireland, and to Portrush, a course he probably knows better than anyone in the field.

McDowell said: “There are so many holes on this golf course that are so strong it’s tough to pick out just a few. The three that come to mind have to be the opening hole here at Royal Portrush; into the prevailing breeze it can really get your attention early doors.

“Then you’ve got pick out 14, ‘Calamity’, the par three, 220 yards to the middle of the green and depending on the wind out of the left it can be a lot of fun there. Then I’d have to say the closing hole, 18, it’s a great par four to finish on.”

What is certain is that with wind and rain forecast, Portrush’s Dunluce Links will provide a true test of golf to the star-packed field, across a true diamond of a links layout.

Maiden in Portrush for Donaldson

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Jamie Donaldson ended his long wait for a first European Tour title as he shot a final round of 66 to win the Irish Open by four shots.

Despite no fewer than 32 top-10 finishes in his career, the Welshman had never previously managed a victory in 255 Tour starts heading into this week's event.

But he finally opened his account at Royal Portrush, holding his nerve in impressive style down the stretch as he closed out what was, ultimately, a convincing triumph.

Donaldson, the only man in the field to shoot four sub-70 rounds, birdied his last two holes to finish on 18-under-par, four clear of playing partner Anthony Wall, Fabrizio Zanotti of Paraguay and Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello who shared second place.

Donaldson's brilliant closing 66 was only one off the low round of the week and after securing victory he told Sky Sports: "I'm buzzing and I'm so happy to have won on this course - I don't think we have played a better one on the European Tour."

Reminded of his long wait to break through, he added: "It's just been a case of keeping going. I knew that what I was doing was right. It feels a bit surreal to be honest. I don't think it will sink in till later."

The week also contained his first hole-in-one on the circuit and it began with him shooting 62 at Sunningdale to qualify for The Open at Royal Lytham in just over a fortnight.

Early on it was Sweden's Mikael Lundberg (65) who threatened most to grab the title away from overnight leader Donaldson.

From six back he covered the first 10 holes in a spectacular eight under and led by two, but he could not keep it going on the back nine and bogeys at the 16th and 18th meant he eventually finished joint-fifth alongside England's Mark Foster.

With the local "Big Three" of Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke finishing 10th, 16th and 39th respectively the main Irish hope was 2007 winner Padraig Harrington - he was only two behind when he teed off, but a disappointing 70 dropped him to joint seventh.

Donaldson chose not to look at leaderboards all day and it was only once he had reached the final tee that he asked caddie Mick Donaghy - new on the bag this week - for the position.

The news was good. He was two ahead and that became four when Wall, bunkered off his drive, bogeyed and Donaldson put the icing on the cake with his long birdie putt on the final green.

He had earlier had three in a row from the second, then came back from a bogey at the short 11th with three in the next four holes and after dropping a shot at the 16th - he was the one in sand there - he closed with two more.

Wall's bogey at the last was disappointing, but to be in a tie for second was remarkable given that he had gone out of bounds and taken a triple-bogey eight at the second.

Meanwhile, Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and South African Richard Sterne - who finished 18th and 44th respectively - clinched two places in the Open Championship after topping a mini-money list that had been running on the European Tour.

McIroy Plans Portrush Charge

Royal Portrush legend Rory McIlroy last night warned the Irish Open leaders: “I’m coming to get you!”

Northern Ireland star McIlroy lies six shots behind leader Jamie Donaldson, who is top of the pile on 12 under.

But McIlroy – who ­famously battered this track as a 16-year-old to set the course record of 61 – fancies himself to pile pressure on the ­leaders this afternoon.

McIlroy, who was cheered on by tennis star girlfriend Caroline ­Wozniacki after her ­Wimbledon exit, struggled on the greens but believes he can still produce a ­thrilling comeback to claim the title.

He said: “There has been added ­pressure with the tournament being in Northern ­Ireland, but that is fine.

“I’m more frustrated than anything else. It felt like I played pretty well and didn’t really get much out of the round.

“A 71 is still a decent score in these conditions but I felt with the way I hit the ball, it could have been a lot lower.

“I just want to shoot a good score ­tomorrow and see what happens. It would be nice to put on a good finish and look forward to the Open in a couple of weeks.

“I’m going to try to get to at least 14-under tomorrow to have any sort of chance.

“And I think I can do it if I get off to a fast start and put pressure on the boys at the top of the leaderboard.”

Welsh hopeful Donaldson ­produced a memorable hole-in-one earlier in the week and yesterday carded a three-under-par 69 to move to the top of the leaderboard.

“After making bogey at the first, an eagle on the second put me back in the frame,” ­Donaldson said.

“I can’t get ahead of myself. I must just keep hitting fairways and greens. I’ve had a few chances of victory but not been good enough to stand on the 18th green as champion so far.

“I’m not going to worry about the likes of ­Padraig Harrington behind me, I will just play against myself.”

Harrington is the best-placed Irishman, two shots adrift of Donaldson and ready to end a two-year run ­without a Tour victory.

He said: “I would have said that nothing could compare to my first Irish Open win, but to win the first one in Northern Ireland in 40 years would be right up there.

“Having been there and done it before should help, even though it’s two years since my last win!

“I just want to put pressure on the leaders as early as possible and use the home crowd to my advantage.”

With 40,000 spectators expected Sunday, attendances will be in excess of 100,000 for the four days of the ­tournament, setting a new Tour record.

Harrington Hopeful of Home Advantage

Padraig Harrington hopes to draw on the inspiration of Royal Portrush’s sell-out crowd as he battles for victory in The Irish Open.

The three-time Major winner, whose last European Tour victory was the 2008 US PGA Championship, goes into the final round two behind Jamie Donaldson in a share of third place.

The other four players in the top five have just two European Tour titles between them – fewer than the number of Majors Harrington has to his name.

But while home advantage, experience and the backing of packed galleries may make Harrington a slight favourite, the 40 year old is taking nothing for granted.

“I would be very determined anyway,” said Harrington, who won this event in 2007. “You've got to use the home crowd in your favour.

“You've got to let them carry you when you need to be carried and don't get carried away by them. Obviously don't allow yourself to be let down in any way in terms of, if you feel like you're letting them down, you have to fight that urge. It has to be managed, but definitely can be a big positive.

“In a perfect world, you would say that there's a home winner, but this ain't no exhibition, I can guarantee you that. There's nobody going out there tomorrow thinking, oh, we'll let the Irish guy win. It doesn't work like that.

“The downside of a hometown crowd, actually there is no downside in the sense of, if you're not playing well, it doesn't matter. You feel disappointed; you feel like you've let people down. But, hey, you're not winning the tournament.

“The upside is you're getting carried along and you are winning the tournament. If somebody’s out in front, you can get some momentum and certainly, I would say it's only a positive in terms of trying to win a tournament, having the home crowd, no doubt about it.

“So would I give it a percentage? I don't know. It's certainly 20 per cent, 25 per cent help on your performance. It's significant.”

Double Costs Clarke Sunday Chance

Darren Clarke moved into contention at Royal Portrush on Saturday after a birdie-eagle start to his third round in an Irish Open that means so much to him as Northern Ireland has not hosted it since 1953.

However  the Open champion ran up a double-bogey seven on the long 17th during the worst of the wind and rain.

"We couldn't reach the fairway - it was a 250-yard carry and we were only hitting it 235," said Clarke, giving a wry smile as conditions eased the moment he finished with a 73 for three under.

After finding the left rough his eight-iron second went only 80 yards, his third found a bunker short of the green and then he three-putted.

"That's Royal Portrush. That's links golf. It's much easier now," he added.

"My goal was maybe to finish eight under and I had chances to do it. It was the conditions I wanted and I didn't capitalise."

At least the 43-year-old was getting more competitive golf under his belt.

He had not made a cut all year until this week and was returning after a month's absence resting a groin strain.

Clarke also has next week's French Open in Paris before his defence of The Open a fortnight later.

Donaldson Climbs Top of Leaderboard

Jamie Donaldson, without a European Tour win in 254 starts, led The Irish Open midway through his third round at wet and windy Royal Portrush.

Despite the difficult conditions the 36 year old was in inspired form on the greens, grabbing an eagle and three birdies on the front nine.

There were also two bogeys on his card, but at 12 under par Donaldson was two in front of English pair Anthony Wall and Paul Waring, making his first appearance for over a year following wrist surgery and nerve problems.

Overnight leader Grégory Bourdy had three bogeys in his first six holes and leading Irish hope Padraig Harrington two in seven, but both were still well in touch at nine and eight under respectively.

Open Champion Darren Clarke, having made his first halfway cut of the year, reached seven under with a birdie-eagle start, but by the time he ran up a double bogey seven on the long 17th he was back to three under.

The other two members of Northern Ireland's "Big Three" - US Open winners Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, of course - were also finding it tough to get into contention.

World Number Two McIlroy was six under with three to play and McDowell four under coming down the last.

Donaldson, who played the world amateur team championship with Luke Donald and Paul Casey in 2000, bogeyed the first after resuming two behind.

But a ten footer for eagle on the next was the start of things to come.

He saved par from 20 feet at the fourth, converted another ten foot chance on the next and then holed from 25 feet for another birdie at the short sixth.

His second dropped shot came on the difficult seventh, but as conditions finally improved he chipped to two feet at the 475 yard par five ninth and made that to turn in a superb 33.

Wall, with only one win in 401 European Tour events, did even better with a front nine 32 and made up for a six at the long tenth with a fifth birdie of the round at the next.

Waring bogeyed the first and third, but birdied the second and ninth to keep alive his dream of what would be an incredible victory after such a long enforced lay-off.

He had to seek a medical extension to The European Tour Membership this season after injuring himself during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in May last year.

Donaldson bogeyed the 412 yard 12th and with Wall grabbing birdie at the long 17th and parring the last they were level at 11 under, one ahead of Bourdy, Foster and Waring.

Harrington was two back with six to play, but McIlroy's 71 left him five back and McDowell's 73 meant he was seven adrift.

Could Padraig Win be Around Portrush Corner

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Padraig Harrington believes a tournament win is "just around the corner", even if it doesn't come at this week's Irish Open.

The 40-year-old Dubliner finds himself well in contention at the halfway stage at Royal Portrush, a second successive 67 leaving him just two shots back of Frenchman Gregory Bourdy.

He has already won the tournament before, triumphing back in 2007, the same year he also clinched his first major at the Open at Carnoustie.

But while he has not tasted success since the 2008 US PGA Championship, Harrington is continuing to remain patient in his quest for further glory.

Buses

"As much as I would dearly love to win, it doesn't have to be this week," he said.

"I know they are around the corner and they tend to come like buses. I'll win more in the future - just be patient and let it happen.

"My three majors were distinctly different. I came out of the pack at Carnoustie (Sergio Garcia had been well clear), then at Birkdale I was the favourite I assume going into the last round.

"Maybe that's the position I'm in now and as professional golfers we have to deal with all of these things all of the time.

"We have to apply ourselves and do our own thing. But I will enjoy the crowds - I will make an effort to let myself be helped by the crowd and to be drawn into it."

The Irish Open is being staged north of the border for the first time since 1953 and has been watched by sell-out crowds.

Support

Graeme McDowell - whose own major triumphs have been instrumental in bringing the event back to Northern Ireland - admits the support shown to the players has been exceptional.

"It sounded like an Open Championship coming down 18," he said after his second round. "The crowds are clapping you from 140 yards short of the green.

"They clapped us all day going on to every green, but particularly the last six when the rain went away and the umbrellas came down.

"We all appreciate it. It's nice to play golf events amongst big crowds."

Clarke Gets into Moving Day

It took Darren Clarke just two holes to leap 29 places in the Irish Open at Royal Portrush - despite the pouring rain.

The Open champion, determined to build on making his first halfway cut of the year, birdied the first and then eagled the 528-yard second.

That burst took him from four under par to seven under and from 39th to joint 10th as the bad weather once again failed to deter fans from packing his home links.

"I'm not here to make up the numbers," Clarke stated after an opening 71 on his return from taking a month off to rest a groin strain.

Then after his second-round 69, he added: "The break was massive. I needed to get away and the injury was a bit of a blessing in disguise.

"I've tried to fulfil my role as Open champion and have been travelling all over the world, but now I feel refreshed."

Clarke has only one more event - next week's French Open - before his defence of The Open a fortnight later and he said: "I'm just not tournament sharp and it's important to have more competitive rounds."

On seven under he was five behind Gregory Bourdy, the French stablemate he had given advice to on Tuesday about how to play a course which is staging Northern Ireland's first Irish Open since 1953.

Bourdy led by one from England's Mark Foster and by two from Dubliner Padraig Harrington, the 2007 winner, Italian Lorenzo Gagli and Foster's compatriot Paul Waring, playing his first event for over a year following wrist surgery.

Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell both resumed five under.

Keegan Values Short Portrush Lesson

Major winner Keegan Bradley's first-ever tournament in Europe lasted only two days, but the American believes he is now better equipped for The Open at Royal Lytham in three weeks.

The 26-year-old USPGA champion made the trip to the Irish Open at Royal Portrush because of his Irish roots, but had rounds of 73 and 71 to bow out on level par.

Bradley did have four birdies in a row from the 11th, however, and said: "That was fun. Wish I could have kept it going, but maybe next time.

"I think I will know a little more what to expect there.

"I played pretty well other than about three shots. I just didn't play the par fives really well and had a couple of lost balls - that's no good.

"I hope to come back another time - I can't wait. Everybody treated me so well."

Bradley's victory in Atlanta last August, after a play-off with compatriot Jason Dufner, came in the very first major of his career. Since 1913 he and Ben Curtis, the 2003 Open champion, are the only players to achieve that.

Others to miss the cut included Colin Montgomerie, last week's winner Danny Willett and former US Open champion Michael Campbell.

Willett's exit had a further implication than merely giving him a weekend off. He had a chance to earn an Open spot via a mini money list that ends on Sunday, but Thai Thongchai Jaidee and South African Richard Sterne are currently in position to claim the two places on offer.

Former Walker Cup player Willett, who finished three over, could still make it to Lytham with a top-five finish in either the French or Scottish Opens.

Challengers Close on Leader Bourdy

France's Grégory Bourdy gave the chasing pack a boost when he failed to build on a brilliant start to his Irish Open second round at Royal Portrush.

Joint overnight lead with Indian Jeev Milkha Singh, Bourdy eagled the long second and after ten holes had reached 13 under par - three clear of the field.

But then came bogeys at the 11th and 14th, both par threes, and the 30 year old's advantage was back down to one.

Italian Lorenzo Gagli was in second place on ten under after a 66 and Welshman Jamie Donaldson just one further back following a 67 that contained five successive birdies.

Home favourites Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke both shot 69 to advance to five under and four under respectively.

For the World Number Two that prevented a fifth missed cut in his last six starts and on a course where he shot a record 61 as a 16 year old he knew he was capable of climbing in contention over the weekend.

Just to make the cut was important for Clarke - he has not managed that all season - but after closing with a 20 foot birdie putt he insisted there was no sense of relief because his sights are set higher than that.

His Open Championship defence is less than three weeks away and after a month out resting a groin strain he said: "It's important to have more competitive rounds under my belt - I'm just not tournament sharp.

"I started nicely today, but a bogey took the wind out of my sails and I couldn't give myself many chances after that.

"Conditions are getting harder and that's a good thing. Give these guys soft conditions and not that strong a wind and they will score low.

"But I've been surprised just how low it's been so far."

McIlroy, with girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki in attendance at the event after her Wimbledon first round defeat, said: "The last two days have probably been the best ball-striking rounds I've had for a while.

"I didn't do much wrong and hopefully I can have a good weekend. I need something around 64 or 65 to get myself into contention, but I've shot low scores here before.

"I'm hitting a lot of greens and if I take a few more chances I can turn a 69 into 65 very quickly."

McGinley Makes Fast Open Start

Paul McGinley made a great start to his second round at the Irish Open after an eagle and two birdies in his opening four holes moved him to seven under early on at Royal Portrush.

The Dubliner has shown a return to top form over recent weeks and after an opening round of three-under 69 he fired from the blocks this morning with an eagle three at the par-five 10th, his first hole.

A par at the short 11th was then followed by back to back birdies before the 45-year-old former Ryder Cup star dropped a shot on the par-three 14th known as Calamity Corner for a second day to move back to six under.

Frenchman Gregory Bourdy, the overnight joint leader, also flew from the traps with an eagle at the par-five second and a birdie at the short third to take the outright lead on 10 under.

Possibly buoyed by his country’s Euro 2012 semi-final success over Germany last night, Italian Lorenzo Gagli carded six birdies and a bogey in his opening nine holes to move to nine under lead.

Simon Thornton carded five birdies and a bogey in his first seven holes to move alongside McGinley on six under.

Gagli Goes Well and Clarke Inside Cut

Lorenzo Gagli produced a magnificent start to his second round at The Irish Open to join Grégory Bourdy in a share of the lead.

Having opened with a four under par 68, the Italian had seven birdies in his first 11 holes on returning to Royal Portrush and with only one bogey moved to ten under par.

Frenchman Bourdy only kept a share of the lead he enjoyed overnight with Jeev Milkha Singh by starting well himself – the three-time European Tour winner eagling the long second and birdieing the third.

Gagli’s run was all the more impressive given that after finishing 49th on The Race to Dubai in his rookie season last year, the 26 year old had not finished better than 35th this campaign.

Gagli and Bourdy led by two from Finn Mikko Ilonen and Scotland’s Gary Orr, with Singh amongst the later starters.

Meanwhile Rory McIlroy made just the start he was hoping for after resuming in joint 53rd place.

Birdies at two of his first three holes lifted the World Number Two, who has missed four of his last five halfway cuts, up into a tie for 21st on four under par.

This is McIlroy's final tournament before The Open Championship in three weeks and he was back on the course where he shot an amazing record 61 as a 16 year old.

Open Champion Darren Clarke boosted his hopes of making a first cut of the season when he also birdied the long tenth - his first of the day - to improve to two under and when he added a two on the short 14th he stood in a share of 34th place on three under. 

The top 65 and ties go through to the final 36 holes.

McIlroy bogeyed the short 14th, but had his third birdie of the day two holes later and turned in a two under 34 – by then six behind.

Clarke's third birdie came on the 15th, but after a back-nine 33 he bogeyed the first to be three under and joint 38th.

Play set to resume at 16:40hrs

Play is set to resume at 16:40 at Royal Portrush with Jeev Milkha Singh the clubhouse leader on 7 under at The Irish Open, after a round of 65, before play was suspended due to bad weather at Royal Portrush.

The Indian carded eight birdies and a single bogey before a storm halted play for 95 minutes, with a 4.40 resumption scheduled.

“I think links golf, you have to hit a lot of low shots and you have to have a lot of imagination,” said the three-time European Tour winner.

“I think a lot of feel, imagination is required, and that's what I love about links golf. 

“The atmosphere and the feel to the golf course, I think is fantastic. I think it just feels great.”

Singh was one ahead of English pair Mark Foster and Andrew Marshall, as well as Australian Matthew Zions.

Watched by a sell-out crowd - a first for The European Tour in a regular event - that included First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy Martin McGuinness, Foster was first to post a six under par 66.

The 36 year old, a winner of only one title in more than 300 starts, said: "When we came to the course the rain was sideways and yet people were queuing to get in.

"It's amazing here and I've never heard a buzz about the course that there is in the players' lounge this week.

"It was throwing it down when we got up, but that was no surprise and you've just got to be professional about it.

"At least it was not that windy. But that will come - the course will show its teeth no problem."

He was six under through ten holes himself, rolled in a nine footer on the 13th, but bogeyed the 15th after chipping into a bunker and then hitting the flagstick with his recovery.

Singh reached seven under with six to play, bogeyed the short 14th, but closed with a birdie to go back to the top on his own with a 65.

Australian Zions, a winner in St Omer last year but without a top-20 finish this campaign, had four birdies in his last five holes and said: “I got off to a good start, which I seem to be doing a lot lately.

“It was just nice to kind of tie it all together today. I did everything good, I drove it really well. The course requires a lot of accuracy off the tee, and I drove it very, very well today.” 

That came just before play was suspended at 3.05pm because of an approaching storm - with Rory McIlroy two under after eight. 

It was announced that, even though it was still raining hard, play would be restarting at 4.40pm - a loss of 95 minutes.

Ace Wins BMW 6 Series for Morrison

Three days after winning the Open Championship qualifier at Sunningdale, England's James Morrison had something else to celebrate - a hole-in-one on the 14th known as "Calamity Corner" earned him a BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.

It also took the Surrey golfer to three under par at Royal Portrush, four behind Jeev Milkha Singh, who then dropped a shot to fall back to six under.

Rory McIlroy was one under after two and Darren Clarke level par after four.

England's Mark Foster was the early clubhouse leader, posting a six-under 66, and was later joined by Matthew Zions and Andrew Marshall.

Irish Open Totally Sold Out in Portrush

The Irish Open has made European Tour history by becoming the first regular Tour event to sell out completely over all four days of this year’s championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

In recent weeks, the Tour has closed the sale of tickets, firstly for the weekend’s play, then Friday’s second round. Now the sale of tickets on the gate for tomorrow’s opening round has ceased, creating an unprecedented sell-out.

A total of 27,000 people each day will descend on Royal Portrush between Thursday and Sunday as Northern Ireland welcomes an Irish Open to its shores for the first time since 1953. Spectators are advised that no tickets will be sold at the gate for the duration for the tournament.

The combination of the sell-out and one of the strongest fields on The European Tour Schedule has resulted in a Major-like atmosphere at the County Antrim links course, even before a competitive ball has been struck.

Over 4,000 people attended the opening practice round at the Dunluce Links while a crowd of 14,225 added an exciting dimension to the star-studded Wednesday Pro-Am.

“The 2012 Irish Open has exceeded all expectations in terms of advance ticket sales. Following the announcement that the last three days were sold out, we had a considerable up-take for Thursday which has culminated in us putting up the ‘sold out’ signs,” said Championship Director Antonia Beggs.

“We urge spectators not to arrive at the gate in hope of purchasing tickets, as there will be no further sales for the 2012 Irish Open.”

The European Tour hope to make an announcement later this week about the sale of tickets for the 2013 Irish Open at Carton House near Dublin from June 27-30.

Portrush Gives GMAC Great Pride

Graeme McDowell, runner-up at the US Open a fortnight ago, does not want to be swept up by what is happening in his home town this week.

Portrush stages the first Irish Open in Northern Ireland for 59 years, but McDowell said on Wednesday: “It would be easy to get lost in the whole emotion of it. I want to enjoy it, but I want to enjoy it at the business end of things on Sunday.

“I would rate winning this just outside the majors. It’s about winning in front of your home fans. Northern Ireland has had its problems, but the town’s buzzing and there’s a sense of pride to see this great event here.”

After narrowly missing out to Webb Simpson two weeks ago at The Olympic Club, McDowell has certainly received a welcome boost from returning to his homeland.

“When I got here Monday morning, just driving to the golf course I got a sense of pride to see this great event here,” he added.

“It’s been a great run the last couple of years for Northern Irish golf, and I guess to be part of the reason why this tournament is here is very humbling. Growing up in this town, you dream of having a big type of event here, and it’s a culmination of a lot of hard work from a lot of people.

“There’s been a huge amount of excitement in the town since the announcement that we were coming here. The town has been buzzing, and there’s been a lot of work done around the area. I think we are all very, very excited.

“Personally, I’m proud to be able to have The European Tour come to my part of the world, and the golf course is it in great condition. The weather forecast wasn’t great this morning, but we got away with it and fingers crossed for a great weekend.

“It’s exciting – 15,000 people out there watching a Pro-Am this morning was incredible. It’s really good for all of the players, and just gives us a sense of what people have thought of what we have achieved the last few years.

“There’s no doubt that people are proud of this golf course and they are proud of this part of the world, and they are coming out in masses to welcome a great European Tour field to this golf course.”

Portrush Open Move Works for Clarke

Darren Clarke believes Royal Portrush could be the perfect place to rediscover his form at this week’s Irish Open.

The Northern Irishman moved back to Portrush four years ago, and believes the switch was a major factor in his Open Championship victory at Sandwich last year.

“The Irish Open has always been one of my favourite tournaments and to have it here in Royal Portrush with this amount of people here already coming to the tournament – sold out for the first time in European Tour history – makes me very, very proud,” said Clarke.

“It’s not just me, everybody at Royal Portrush and the locals are right behind it.

“It’s all worked out unbelievably well. The players love it – it’s almost got an Open feel, which is what I think the course deserves. It’s fantastic to look out there and see all of the locals and what everybody has achieved.

“It’s just a very special place. I moved up here when I was young, and I played an awful lot of my golf here and moved back a couple of years ago.

“Winning The Open last year, a lot of it was due to the fact that I was living here again playing in Royal Portrush. Some of my fellow Tour pros have not been here before, and every one bar none has been full of praise already. The course is looking fantastic.”

Since his emotional Open Championship triumph Clarke has, by his own admission, struggled for consistency.

The 43 year old has not finished better than 20th, and has missed four cuts in his last five stroke play events.

But after a month off, the former Ryder Cup star feels ready to produce his best form on home soil.

“I’ve been down here quite a lot just practicing,” he added. “I’m feeling not too bad, and looking forward to getting back.

“The forecast this week is for some pretty normal Portrush weather which might not be too good, might not be to everybody’s liking – but it is to mine!

“I’ve played the course in some pretty horrific conditions, so hopefully that will be a little bit of an advantage, as it will be to most of the Irish guys that have played here before. It’s a golf course that you need to know a little bit, and definitely in bad weather.

“As for myself, I’ve been working away and hopefully things will turn around pretty soon and get back to where it’s been.

“I think it’s going to be wonderful pictures going around the world of Royal Portrush and the whole area. It’s a huge boost for the area that can only be a good thing. It’s wonderful to see a major tournament back here again at one of the best courses that we’ve got. I doubt we’ll play a better course on The European Tour this year, and that’s the feeling amongst most of the pros.

“For guys to come along here and say, looking around, everything about it, it feels like an Open Championship, is about as big of praise as anybody can give it.”