The Daily Star Ireland
After a dramatic year on the Newcastle coastline, the Irish Open makes its way back to County Kildare, with the K Club hosting the second leg of its current three-year biennial run. The venue, a favorite among Dublin-based fans for its accessibility and broadcasters for its proximity to the airport, once again provides the stage for one of Ireland’s most prestigious golfing events.
From Links Beauty to Parkland Familiarity
The return to the K Club may not thrill every corner of the golfing world. American podcasters and course purists are often frustrated that the Irish Open isn’t staged exclusively on links layouts. Last year’s edition at Royal County Down, ranked Golf Digest’s No. 1 course in the world outside the U.S., was hailed for its stunning views and dramatic finish, as Rasmus Højgaard edged out Rory McIlroy in a nail-biting finale. By contrast, the Palmer North course at the K Club does not enjoy the same reverence among architecture critics, though it has its own rich place in the tournament’s history.
It was here in 2016 that McIlroy secured his only Irish Open victory to date. Though not his most sentimental venue, the win relieved pressure and cemented his role as a figurehead for the event, which he personally supported through sponsorship for several years.
McIlroy’s Rollercoaster Season
For McIlroy, 2025 will already be remembered as historic thanks to his long-awaited Masters triumph. At the time, many believed he could push for an elusive calendar Grand Slam, a feat no modern professional has achieved—Tiger Woods’ “Tiger Slam” in 2001 being the closest. Optimism only grew when the PGA Championship returned to Quail Hollow, one of McIlroy’s favorite venues.
But golf, like football, rarely follows the script. He faltered badly at the PGA, endured media scrutiny over his “non-conforming driver,” and slipped into a lull through the summer. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler reasserted his dominance, winning both the PGA and Open Championship with authority to double his major tally to four. For casual Irish fans, his near-perfect approach at Portrush became the cue to turn their full attention to the All-Ireland hurling final.
Still, McIlroy has a unique milestone within reach: becoming only the second Masters champion to win the Irish Open in the same year. The only precedent belongs to Seve Ballesteros, who did so at Royal Dublin in 1983.
A Tournament with Rich History
The Irish Open has long been a stage for legends. Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, and Ian Woosnam all lifted the trophy multiple times during its 1980s heyday, when tobacco companies bankrolled the event and men-only clubs like Portmarnock still hosted without backlash. The last time Portmarnock staged the tournament in 2003, it sparked heated debate on gender exclusion, and the event has not returned since.
Other notable champions include José María Olazábal in 1990, Pádraig Harrington in 2007 at Adare Manor, and Hubert Green, who pulled off the rare feat of winning both the U.S. Open and Irish Open in the same summer back in 1977. More recently, Jon Rahm’s twin victories in 2017 and 2019 injected star power, but otherwise the event has often belonged to European Tour journeymen and a steady stream of Scandinavian champions—seven since 2000 alone.
Big Names Return: Koepka, Hatton, and Lowry
This year brings intrigue with the arrival of Brooks Koepka, the five-time major winner who hasn’t previously teed it up at the Irish Open. Once a European Tour regular, Koepka was rejuvenated by his 2023 PGA Championship victory after joining LIV Golf but has since struggled with knee issues and form.
Tyrrell Hatton, another LIV player, joins the field fresh from an automatic Ryder Cup qualification thanks to victories in Dubai and a strong U.S. Open performance. In contrast, Sergio García—an Irish Open champion at 19 back in 1999—has withdrawn at the last minute, disheartened by his Ryder Cup exclusion.
Koepka will headline Thursday’s marquee grouping alongside Shane Lowry and France’s Martin Couvra.
Lowry’s Consistent Irish Open Story
Lowry, confirmed for his third consecutive Ryder Cup appearance, has fond memories of the K Club. Two years ago, he produced one of his best Irish Open performances since his fairy-tale 2009 win at Baltray. Three rounds of 68 left him tied for third at 12-under, just two strokes behind Sweden’s Vincent Norrman.
This season, Lowry has been steady if inconsistent—strong early on but marred by a tough major campaign. His frustrations boiled over with a Sunday 81 at Augusta, an unfortunate divot ruling at the PGA, and a controversial two-stroke penalty at Portrush. Even so, he remains a fan favorite, determined to reclaim momentum on home soil.
