Jon Rahm heading for Lahinch
Jon Rahm. Picture: Getty Images
World number 11 Jon Rahm will tee it up in July’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open looking to continue the form which has yielded one famous victory and another top five finish in his previous two appearances on Irish soil.
The 24-year-old has been a fan favourite at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, having claimed a record-breaking six-stroke victory on his debut at Portstewart in 2017 when his 24 under par total was the lowest winning score in the event’s history.
He joins a star-studded field that includes Tommy Fleetwood, Louis Oosthuizen, Shane Lowry, Ian Poulter, Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell at Lahinch Golf Club from July 4-7.
“Winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open was very special for me,” said Rahm, who has three wins on both the European Tour – including two Rolex Series titles - and the US PGA Tour.
“To perform the way I did and shoot 24 under par and especially the way it happened on that final round, with that magnificent hole-out on four which was arguably one of the best shots of my career, and the finish the way I did . With how much fun I had it was definitely special.
“What made it all better was the Irish crowds, they were some of the best crowds I’ve ever played in front of – for both years, two years in a row. I’m very excited to go back there and to Lahinch. I’ve never been on that golf course but I’ve heard a lot of good things about it.
“It’s always one of the most enjoyable weeks I have on tour so hopefully I can have a good showing again. The support I get over there is unlike any other, comparable to what I get in Spain and I love going back.”
Last year, Rahm gave the Irish fans plenty to cheer about over the weekend at Ballyliffin, carding a round of 67 on Saturday and a remarkable 66 on the final day – which included four successive birdies to finish.
The Basque player came within two strokes of a play-off spot having started the week with a two over par 74.
That preceded one of the most dramatic finales in the tournament’s 91-year history, as Russell Knox holed a 40-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to clinch a place in a play-off alongside New Zealander Ryan Fox.
The Scot then sank an almost identical putt on the first play-off hole to seal his maiden Rolex Series title and send the huge Irish crowds into raptures.
With blazing sunshine and a star-studded field, a total of 94,239 people attended the event at Ballyliffin Golf Club.
Tickets for the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open are on sale at www.dubaidutyfreeirishopen.com and begin at €23 for Pro-Am Wednesday, with single tickets for Thursday or Friday costing €30 and day tickets for each weekend day costing €35 each. An adult season ticket, which covers five days of world-class golf from Wednesday to Sunday, begins at a special price of just €110.
