Irish Open gets into full swing

From the get go, there was already a steady stream of spectators through gate.

Such is the incredible interest in this year’s Open, provision has been made for way in excess of 100,000 punters over the four-day duration.

By the time the first golfers were on the tee shortly after 7am, the car parks were gradually filling up and enthusiasts making their way to the various vantage points around the course. After all, this is now one of the Blue Riband events of golf in the UK.

Conditions, while not perfect, were adequate for some impressive early performances – notably from England’s Matthew Southgate who was through 11 holes on -5.

Portrush’s Graeme McDowell was among the early starters put up a steady performance on the very challenging greens – through nine on -2.

Tommy Fleetwood, fresh from his French Open exploits, was playing in McDowell’s three-ball. He fared slightly better – through nine on -3.

Meanwhile, Olympic champion Justin Rose, completing the trio, was also -3 from nine.

Former Major winner Padraig Harrington, playing in the group immediately after McDowell, was also handling the course well, going through eight holes on -2.

Both Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke have early afternoon starts, by which time, organisers are expecting a virtually full house.