Overcast start at Ballyliffin as the €6m Irish Open gets underway
Graeme McDowell among the early starters on the spectacular Donegal course
Some of the biggest names in golf were beginning their bid today to win the Irish Open.
With its breath-taking scenery and spectacularly rugged surroundings, Donegal is the perfect setting for a round of golf.
An unexpectedly overcast morning greeted the first wave of early riser fans entering the hallowed gates at Ballyliffin to grab the best viewing spots around this world-class links course.
The golf club consists of two contrasting links courses, both designed to the highest standards and quality.
The Glashedy Links, on which the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, hosted by the Rory Foundation, will be played, is a Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock masterpiece, rated amongst the best links tracks in the world.
Pat Ruddy is regarded as one of the greatest golf architects of modern times with courses he has designed including four-time Dubai Duty Free Irish Open host venue Druids Glen, Portsalon, Rosapenna and the European Club in Co Wicklow which he also owns.
This year the stars on show will compete for a share of a near €6m purse - making the Irish Open title one of the most sought-after outside of the Majors.
Among the early starters was Portrush’s Graeme McDowell in a hugely talented three-ball with last year’s champion Jon Rahm and Rafa Cabrera Bello.
Rahm, the World Number Five, is chasing a third title in the space of 10 months while Cabrero Bello is hoping to add a second title ahead of the defence of his Scottish Open title next week.
Rahm is aiming to become the sixth Irish Open champion to successfully defend his title.
Nick Faldo holds the record for consecutive wins with three in a row from 1991 to 1993. The only other players to achieve back-to-back wins are Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros (1985-86), Scotsman Colin Montgomerie (1996-97), Welshman Ian Woosnam (1988-89), and England’s Mark James (1979-80).
The star of the show, Rory McIlroy, tees off at 1.20 with England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick and Thorbjorn Olesen.
Then Darren Clarke takes to the greens just before 2pm in a three-ball with Thomas Bjorn and Danny Willett.