Lahinch has been named host of the 2026 Walker Cup.

The R&A announced Monday that the venerable Irish links will be the upcoming site for the biennial match between the best amateurs of the United States and Great Britain and Ireland. It will be just the third time Ireland has hosted the Walker Cup in the 100-year history of the event.

“Lahinch is widely regarded as being one of the finest links courses in Ireland and so there will be great excitement at the prospect of the Walker Cup being played there for the very first time,” said Phil Anderton, chief development officer at the R&A. “Whenever we have staged a championship or international match on the island of Ireland, we have always been fortunate to have Irish fans turn out in great numbers to support the competing golfers and generate a fantastic atmosphere. We look forward to enjoying another special occasion in 2026 when many of the world’s best men’s amateur golfers will represent Great Britain and Ireland and the United States of America to compete for this historic trophy.”

The links course was originally laid out by Old Tom Morris, with Alister MacKenzie overseeing a remodel in the 1920s. Lahinch is consistently ranked in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest lists and has been called the “St. Andrews of Ireland.” It has hosted the South of Ireland Championship and the 2019 Irish Open.

The 2023 Walker Cup is set to visit the Old Course. Future Walker Cup venues include Cypress Point Club, Oakmont, Chicago Golf Club and Bandon Dunes.

This year’s Walker Cup begins in early September. The Americans are the defending champs and have won the past three Walker Cups.

The post The 2026 Walker Cup awarded to historic Irish links appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Lahinch Golf Club

Lahinch, Co Clare
Old Course: 18 holes, par 72, 6,950 yards
Castle Course: 18 holes, par 69, 5,344 yards
Famous Competitions:
• South of Ireland Championship (1895-2022)
• Irish Open (2019)

A trip to Lahinch is like a ticket back in time to experience how golf was played back in the days of Old Tom Morris. 

The Scottish father of golf himself described this as “fine a natural course as has been my good fortune to play over”.

That alone should give an inkling to the heritage and history here on the Atlantic coast (start swimming in a straight line from Lahinch beach and your next dry land will be in Newfoundland, Canada). Lahinch Old Course is a true links that has been operating for more than 125 years, since Mr Morris himself came over to create it in 1894.

Despite many changes over the years, golfers are immediately immersed in history as they set off up the hill on the first hole, with narrow fairways and thick rough present throughout an undulating opening nine holes, where hiking boots may seem more welcoming than golf spikes if you stray from the strips of fairway. 

Steve Carr Golf

One of the first things you will be warned about if you play next to this exposed fishing village is: “Be prepared.”

With the ‘Wild Atlantic’ as it is known looming, the weather can change in seconds and it is not uncommon to see players arrive back at the clubhouse drenched, wind-beaten and sunburnt in equal measure after 18 holes. 

Aside from the spectacular views, where the famous Cliffs of Moher can be seen from the highest points on a clear day further up the coast, one fabulous and memorable feature is the Lahinch goats, who have helped manicure these grounds for more than a century. (They can also serve as a handy weather warning as they usually make their way towards the clubhouse if things are going to turn more inclement.)

Following the exposed opening holes and their stunning views out across the estuary — including one of the most fabulous hidden par-3s in Ireland — the back nine on this ‘out-and-back’ set-up offers a bit more shelter from the sea and wind. 

This is a true jewel of a links course that offers gem after gem of unique holes to challenge golfers of all levels. Regardless of the weather — remember to prepare for four seasons in one day — this is a must-do golfing experience that will live long in the memory.

WHERE TO STAY:

Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co Clare
The four-star Old Ground Hotel is one of the top hotels in Clare in the heart of Ennis Town, offering luxury dining at the Town Hall restaurant and live music and entertainment in the Poet’s Corner bar. oldgroundhotelennis.com

ALSO SEE:

Colm Keating/flickr

Cliffs of Moher
One of Ireland’s favourite tourist attractions, the Cliffs of Moher (above) tower over the County Clare coast, some 700ft at the famous O’Brien’s Tower, offering astounding views across the Atlantic. With 14 kilometres of safe treks of varying difficulty and an interactive visitor centre carved into the hills, the Cliffs have inspired generations of artists and poets and are simply a must-see.

Burren National Park
The Unesco World Heritage site is renowned for its stunning beauty, rugged limestone trails and views over Galway Bay.

A Week In Ireland
DAY 1: The K Club
DAY 2: Lahinch Golf Club
DAY 3: Dromoland Castle
DAY 4: Mount Juliet Estate
DAY 5: Druids Heath

Get your FREE September edition of Golf Digest Middle East here

The post Ireland is Treasure Island series: Day 2 — Lahinch Golf Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The 24-year-old South African fired a second-round 67 to go with an opening 64 to earn the 36-hole lead at the $7 million European Tour event on Friday.

Lombard’s career-best collect in four full seasons on the European Tour was the €168,335 he banked for a share of sixth place at last year’s DDF Irish Open at Ballyliffin. He’s also come close to a maiden European Tour victory twice before with runner-up finishes at the 2017 Rocco Forte Open in Sicily and the 2016 Joburg Open.

The challenge for Zombard is recent form – he’d missed eight successive cuts leading into the week in Co. Clare and is only on tour this season after successfully regaining his status at Q-School late last year – and perhaps more so from the pedigree around him on the leaderboard.

Sidelined with a back injury since the U.S. PGA Championship, Englishman Eddie Pepperell is just a shot back on -8 heading into moving day while former world No.1 Lee Westwood headlines a three-way tie for third at -7. Even defending champion Russell Knox is in the mix; a last hole eagle for a Friday 68 has the Scot at -5 in a share of 12th with the likes of Dubai-based Ryder Cupper Rafa Cabrera Bello and former MENA Tour member Robert MacIntyre.

Up-and-down from 245 yards…

What a finish from the defending champion.#DDFIrishOpen #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/BZ32d5VGpZ

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 5, 2019

Lombard was accentuating the positives after his second round. 

“I missed a few cuts coming into this week and it’s been three months of hard work,” Lombard said. “I had to change a few things in my physique and how I swing the club so it’s nice to see the hard work coming off and what a better place to see it happen.

“It’s been really good golf, solid, and I’m just really enjoying being at the top.

“I’m so comfortable on links golf. It’s never just a normal shot, it’s always a little three quarter, a little punch, judging the wind right. I had a good amateur career on links golf and brought it over to my pro career as well.”

Given his time on the sidelines, Pepperell is understandably surprised to be in contention.

“I really had no idea where I was standing at so to have this performance through two rounds is certainly a nice surprise,” said the 28-year-old who captured the Qatar Masters and British Masters in a breakout 2018.

“I’m not hitting the ball perfectly but my short game has been feeling good. We’ll just see how the weekend goes.”

Extensive highlights of Pepperell’s second round 67 ?#DDFIrishOpen #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/lsEXmnzin4

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 5, 2019

?? -9 Lombard
??????? -8 Pepperell
?? -7 Campillo
?? -7 Ancer
??????? -7 Westwood

Projected cut: PAR

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 5, 2019

Meanwhile, this week’s brutally honest European Tour player blog from fan favourite Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston is well worth a read.

On this week’s Player Blog, @BeefGolf opens up about his mental health struggles, adapting to becoming famous and how with the help of his fiancée and psychologist he is rediscovering his love for golf.https://t.co/J7POokEfXc

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 5, 2019

The post Lombard leaps into halfway lead at Dubai Duty Free Irish Open appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
So far so good for the (purely fictional) Dubai Duty Free Irish Open scriptwriters.

Home hero Padriag Harrington rekindled his love for links golf with an opening 63 at Lahinch Golf Club to will take a one stroke lead into the second round of the $7 million Rolex Series event today.

The seven-under-par loop of the Co. Clare layout was the 47-year-old Irishman’s lowest opening round in 18 years on the European Tour. You can check out the highlights from the three-time major champion here:

Extended highlights of Pádraig Harrington’s opening round 63 ?#DDFIrishOpen #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/vEaEQUMpRM

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 4, 2019

Seems Harrington, who won the 2007 Irish Open and will lead Europe in next year’s Ryder Cup, treated himself afterwards and why not.

A 99 for a 63. pic.twitter.com/6xdkDTY9vf

— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) July 4, 2019

South African Zander Lombard looms largest in Harrington’s rearview mirror heading into day two while seven players including Ryder Cupper Thorbjorn Olesen and cult hero Eddie Pepperell shared third overnight after opening 65s.

But Harrington, 48 next month, clearly has no intention on sliding into the background as he eyes the summer’s links events, culminating in the 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush beginning on July 18.

“I like playing links golf and I knew coming into this run that if I get my head in the game I have an advantage,” he said.

“Today  I did a lot of good things and holed a few putts here and there and got a few breaks – it all adds up to 63 which is nice. I didn’t expect 63 out of it.

“It would definitely be up there with one of the simplest, easiest, most pleasant days ever on the links.

“I know I don’t have to play as well as that for the next three days. It would be nice if I did but we’ll just go out there and try and do more of the same. If nothing good happens for the next three days, so be it. I know I’m on the right track.”

It seems the home fans will go to extraordinary lengths to follow their countryman.

The Irish fans will go anywhere to see Pádraig Harrington…@DubaiDutyFree #FullofSurprises pic.twitter.com/Fp0NXdKZY8

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 4, 2019

Meanwhile, Pepperell took on Kiwi Ryan Fox in a bit of pre-tournament fun. Enjoy.

Fox ? Pepperell

Possibly the greatest #14ClubChallenge yet… pic.twitter.com/vdi8s2AiTz

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 4, 2019

?? -7 Harrington
??????? -5 Pepperell
?? -5 Olesen
?? -5 Lorenzo-Vera
?? -5 Ormsby
?? -5 Park
??????? -5 Slattery#DDFIrishOpen #RolexSeries

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 4, 2019

The post Harrington wows home galleries with 63; takes one-stroke lead into day 2 at Dubai Dubai Free Irish Open appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
From the dramatic to the historic. At least that’s what Russell Knox will attempt to achieve when the much-anticipated Dubai Duty Free Irish Open begins today.

The 34-year-old Scotsman will look to become the first player since Colin Montgomerie in 1996-97 to successfully defend the prestigious title at Lahinch Golf Club after his incredible playoff victory over big-hitting Kiwi Ryan Fox at Ballyliffin 12 months ago.

RELATED: Dubai’s Links to Lahinch

Knox tees it up in the company of Tommy Fleetwood and big home country home Shane Lowry at 8.40am (Ireland time) with TV coverage in the Middle East expected on Dubai Sports Channel.

Lowry won the year’s first Rolex Series event in Abu Dhabi and is among the big names in a stellar field Knox will need to overcome if history is to repeat 22 years after Monty’s double in the second $7 million Rolex Series start of 2019.

You wouldn’t write off anything though given the way Knox triumphed last year with the U.S.-based Scot holing a 45-foot birdie putt to force a play-off before sinking an almost identical one on the first extra hole to claim victory over the incredibly unlucky Fox.

The European Tour has produced an awesome mini-doco of last year’s event which you can enjoy here:

A Champion’s Story – Déjà vu with @rooknox.#DDFIrishOpen #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/KRxNMLuFFz

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 3, 2019

Four-time European Tour winner Matt Wallace, 2017 DDF Irish aOpen chmpion Jon Rahm, major champions Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington and Martin Kaymer and Ryder Cupper Thorbjørn Olesen are among those in Knox’s path.

Harrington, the 2007 Irish Open champion, begins his first round at 1:10pm (Ireland time) alongside Englishmen Ian Poulter and Tyrrell Hatton.

RELATED: Ian Poulter – You’ve got Mail

Fox tees it up alongside Belgian Thomas Pieters and Dubai-based Rafa Cabrera Bello, also off the 1st tee, at 8.50am.

Co. Clare is hosting the DDF Irish Open for the first time in the event’s 127-year history. Check out stunning Lahinch G.C., regarded as the St. Andrews of Ireland, in this sumptuous European Tour preview (Scroll to the embedded video):

Course Guide of @LahinchGolfClub ?#DDFIrishOpen #RolexSeries

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 3, 2019

You can also access the full DDF Irish Open first-round draw here.

The post Knox eyes history 12 months on from his dramatic Dubai Duty Free Irish Open triumph appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley and stunning Lahinch Golf Club play host to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the first time this month. For Colm McLoughlin, it’s a sponsor’s dream.

By Kent Gray
The 64th edition of the Irish Open will be laced with nostalgia for not only the tournament’s title sponsor but also one of the European Tour’s most significant supporters.

The $7 million Rolex Series event starting Thursday marks the fifth year of Dubai Duty Free’s title sponsorship and the staging at Lahinch Golf Club is particularly special for the airport retail operator’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin.

Not only was McLoughlin a former member at the Co. Clare club, his wife Breeda hails from the county. Indeed, there is even a professional link for McLoughlin – nearby Shannon Airport opened the world’s first duty free shop in 1947.

Colm McLoughlin with 2018 DDF Irish Open Champion Russell Knox

McLoughlin is marking 50 years in the duty free industry this year after joining Shannon Duty Free on June 1, 1969. He was general manager in 1983 when the Government of Dubai contracted the Irish aviation authority, Aer Rianta, to set up Dubai Duty Free and McLoughlin headed up the Irish team. When Dubai Duty Free opened for business in December of that year, Colm was asked to stay on as General Manager and he has continued as head of the operation, which last year recorded record sales of US$2.015 billion.

“As a company, we really liked the choice of Lahinch as venue for this year’s tournament because of that link with Shannon, County Clare and the entire duty free industry. It’s going to be extra special for everyone involved with Dubai Duty Free this year,” the Dubai-based Irishman said.

The Irish Open is one of golf’s oldest and most historic events, having been played since 1927. For the first four years of Dubai Duty Free’s sponsorship, Rory McIlroy has been the figurehead of the event but 2019 marks the start of a new era where the modern greats of the Irish game will form a ‘pool’ of hosts who will rotate each year. First up is victorious 2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley while major champions Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell as well as Rory McIlroy will all join the roster.

2019 host Paul McGinley

Ryder Cup legends Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, 2017 Race to Dubai champion Tommy Fleetwood, 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, two-time major champion Martin Kaymer, Dubai-domiciled Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello and victorious 2018 Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn are confirmed starters. Scot Russell Knox, who edged Kiwi Ryan Fox at Ballyliffin Golf Club last year with a pair of almost identical birdie putts on the last hole of regulation and the first hole of a sudden-death playoff, is back to defend his title.

Dubai Duty Free became an official partner to the European Tour in a four-year agreement last year. The announcement followed the extension of its naming rights sponsorship of the Irish Open through to 2022.

The post Dubai’s Links To Lahinch appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.