Irish Open preview
Paddy Morgan looks ahead to the Horizon Irish Open at The K Club.
The last Irish Open to be held at The K Club was in 2016. Rory McIlroy was the victor in 2016 thanks to two incredible wood shots down the stretch. It’s fantastic that McIlroy is playing again in the Irish Open. The new September date is good especially in attracting a better field. Usually you need rain gear for golf in Ireland but not this weekend as the weather will be warm and over 20 degrees. It’s the first event since the European Ryder Cup team was picked.
Tyrrell Hatton qualified automatically for Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team. Hatton finished in a tie for fifth in the 2016 Irish Open which was also played at The K Club. Hatton has been a great supporter in participating in the Irish Open for several years. Hatton’s PGA Tour season included finishing second at The Players Championship and qualifying for the Tour Championship at East Lake. Hatton is currently 13th in the world golf rankings and is not far away from breaking into the top 10. I think Hatton will win the Irish Open.
In 2021 Aaron Rai finished tied 12th in the Irish Open. 2021 wasn’t the only successful Irish Open for Rai as he finished in a tie for ninth in 2022. Rai’s best finish in 2023 on the PGA Tour was a tied third at the RBC Canadian Open. I believe Rai will finish in the top five.
Ryan Fox lost in a play-off to Russell Knox at Ballyliffin in 2018. 2022 was a great year for Fox as he came second in the 2022 Irish Open. Driving is the strength of Fox’s game as he is one of the longest hitters on tour. Fox has won three times on the DP World Tour and is currently ranked 44th in the Race to Dubai rankings. I think Fox will finish in the top five.
Thorbjorn Olesen finished in a tie for 10th at the 2016 Irish Open. Olesen returned to the winner’s circle as he won the British Masters in 2022. Olesen finished eight in the 2022 Irish Open. Olesen is in decent form as he finished in a tie for 11th at the recent Czech Masters. I believe Olesen will play well again at The K Club and finish in the top 10.
Seamus Power was forced to pull out due to injury. Padraig Harrington is in great form after making the cut at both Czech Masters and Omega European Masters. The pressure is off Shane Lowry after been picked as a wildcard for 2023 Ryder Cup. Rory McIlroy has so consistent this Summer as he hasn’t finished outside the top 10 since the Wells Fargo Championship in May. I think McIlroy will be the best from the island of Ireland and continue his great form by finishing in the top 10. Europe need McIlroy firing at all cylinders going into the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf Club.
It's set up for a great weekend and I hope you enjoy the action. Even better if we manage to get an Irish winner.