Two weeks to the Open Championship.
Time to turn our attention to links golf and you can get an eyeful this week at the Irish Open.
This year’s venue is a new one — Portstewart Golf Club outside Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
It’s a scenic course and if you need a reason to watch, consider host Rory McIlroy will play the first two days with rookie sensation Jon Rahm and Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama. McIlroy is the defending champion. He thrilled his home country last year, winning the tournament that benefits his foundation. McIlroy shot 12-under par last year at the K-Club and captured his 13th victory on the European Tour.
This will be the first time in the spotlight for Portstewart Golf Club. The historic links club was founded in 1894. This will mark the European Tour’s first trip to the seaside venue.
Many of the big names in golf head to Europe early to get acclimated to the courses, the weather and the time zone.
Justin Rose is in the field as is the European Tour’s hottest player — Tommy Fleetwood.
