What a week – The Open played in Portrush and won by an Irish man, 
Shane Lowry. Wonderful venue – built for golfers and spectators. I spent Thursday and Friday on the links – following matches, taking in the atmosphere and enjoying the comraderie of golf fans from all over the world.
I was lucky enough to have been invited by a member to play Portrush last year. The first hole seemed a lot easier with none of The Open pressure. But then the pros made a lot of the other holes seem a lot easier than I had found them.
I drove from Dublin both days – or was driven Thursday and drove myself on Friday – a group of 4 on Thursday and 5 on Friday. All of us enjoyed it.
Thursday was obviously a huge disappointment for Rory – but for all of us on the links was fantastic to discover so many vantage points – between 5 and 6, along 7, behind 16 – And many more. The village, the catering, the bars – all worked so well. And we got to practice our donning and doffing of the rain gear. The weather improved in the evening and we stayed to see Ernie finish – it was 9pm before we left. Access to the course was great – and all of the logistics leaving went very well.
Friday – what a great day. Spent a couple of hours at the practice group. Mesmerised by the skill, the attention to detail, the obsession with ‘pulling down on the inside’ – or so it looked. Out on the links. Lots of little battles – watching GMac make the cut, Darren getting there but only to throw it away with a 7 at 18, Rory missing out on the cut by 1. And then there was the magic from Lowry.. Did not leave until 8.30. And the fast food stop near Lisburn was welcomed by all.
Played golf Saturday at Carrickmines and then watched Shane Lowry do his magic – course record. Fleetwood stayed in touch. Beginning to believe. Hard to reconcile my own 86 with Lowry’s golf. Not the same game. Although JB Holmes – on a bad day at the office – gave all of us some hope.
And then Sunday. So much drama at the first. Could have been a 3 v. a 6 in the top match – but finished a 4 v 5 – and the opportunity was lost (or the danger was averted!). Spellbinding golf. Would Lowry keep it together? Absolutely. And, in style and shotmaking approach, a great throwback to the genius of Christy O’Connor, Paddy Skerritt and their ilk.
So much to remember. And the opportunity for all of us to feel good about Shane, Portrush and The Open.
