Irish Open

2024 - 9 - 12

Is Shane Lowry the Underdog We Didn't Know We Needed at the Irish Open?

Rory McIlroy Golf Fans - Irish Open 2024 - Northern Ireland - Rory McIlroy - Royal County Down - Shane Lowry - Todd Clements

With Shane Lowry embracing the Irish Open spirit, can he outshine Rory McIlroy, who's hot on Todd Clements' heels? Let's find out!

The Amgen Irish Open has set the stage for a thrilling showdown as Shane Lowry, a local hero, battles the odds and his own expectations this weekend at the picturesque Royal County Down. After a shaky start, Lowry managed to steady his nerves and stay in the mix, keeping his dreams of triumph alive both as an amateur and a professional. His determination and resilience have inspired not only his fans but also young aspiring golfers across Ireland.

Over in the leader's circle, we have none other than Rory McIlroy, who seems to have settled in nicely on familiar turf. Following a respectable tie for ninth at the Tour Championship just days ago, Rory opened the Irish Open with a splendid 68 and trails the front-runner Todd Clements by a mere two strokes. McIlroy closed his round with a flourish, birdieing his last three holes – a classic McIlroy move that fans have come to love. As the local lad pursues his second Irish Open title, all eyes will be glued to him.

Meanwhile, across Newcastle, local businesses are rolling out the welcome mat for enthusiastic golf fans flocking to the event, igniting a sense of community spirit and economic buzz in the air. One cafe manager noted her anticipation of a bustling weekend, signalling how events like these drive foot traffic and support for local shops. The Amgen Irish Open is not just a golf tournament; it's a festival of sport, camaraderie, and local pride.

While Lowry battles the clifftop greens and McIlroy chases Clements, the lingering excitement of the Irish Open captivates the hearts of many. With the world's top golfing talent descending upon Northern Ireland, the buzz is palpable. Plus, a fun fact for our trivia lovers: the last time anyone won the Irish Open back-to-back was in the 1970s! And speaking of records, did you know that Royal County Down Golf Club is regularly ranked as one of the top golf courses in the world? The stunning scenery combined with the excitement of the tournament makes for a weekend that’s truly unforgettable!

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Image courtesy of "Irish Golfer"

Lowry embracing major championship feel of Irish Open - Irish ... (Irish Golfer)

Shane Lowry recovered from a poor start to ensure his hopes of winning the Amgen Irish Open as an amateur and a professional remain alive after he ground ...

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Image courtesy of "Sky Sports"

Amgen Irish Open: Rory McIlroy two behind early leader Todd ... (Sky Sports)

World No 3 Rory McIlroy birdied his last three holes to sit two strokes behind Todd Clements after the opening round of the Amgen Irish Open; watch the ...

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Image courtesy of "usatoday.com"

Rory McIlroy returns to home soil for Amgen Irish Open, sits two back ... (usatoday.com)

Rory McIlroy is on familiar soil. Eleven days after a tie for ninth in the Tour Championship, McIlroy fired a first-round 68 on Thursday in the 2024 Amgen ...

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Image courtesy of "ESPN Australia"

Rory McIlroy shoots 68 at Irish Open, trails Todd Clements by 2 - ESPN (ESPN Australia)

Rory McIlroy, who is attempting to win his home tournament for the second time, shot a 68 and trails leader Todd Clements by two strokes at the Irish Open.

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Image courtesy of "Belfast Newsletter"

Businesses in Newcastle hoping for a busy weekend as Irish Open ... (Belfast Newsletter)

A manager of a cafe in Newcastle says she is expecting business to pick up after a slow start as golf fans flock to watch this year's Irish Open at Royal ...

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Image courtesy of "Coleraine Chronicle"

BBC Sport NI provides coverage of Irish Open (Coleraine Chronicle)

A host of the world's top golfers will tee off at this week's Irish Open at Royal County Down. BBC Sport NI will have an hour-long highlights progra...

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

Rory McIlroy birdies last 3 holes and is 2 shots off the lead at his ... (The Washington Post)

Rory McIlroy has birdied his final three holes to shoot 3-under 68 and sit two strokes off the first-round lead at the Irish Open.

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Image courtesy of "SB Nation"

Irish Open leader drops truth bomb about Royal County Down success (SB Nation)

Englishman Todd Clements leads the way after day one at the Irish Open, a feat that he is most certainly proud of.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Eurosport UK"

Rory McIlroy returns to home soil for Amgen Irish Open, sits two back ... (Yahoo Eurosport UK)

Rory McIlroy is on familiar soil. Eleven days after a tie for ninth in the Tour Championship, McIlroy fired a first-round 68 on Thursday in the 2024 Amgen ...

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Image courtesy of "Golf Australia Magazine"

McIlroy opens with a flourish at the Irish Open (Golf Australia Magazine)

Home favourite Rory McIlroy has produced a late hat-trick of birdies to make an ideal start to his bid for a second Irish Open title.

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Image courtesy of "Sportstar"

Irish Open 2024: Rory McIlroy birdies last 3 holes, two shots off lead (Sportstar)

Rory McIlroy birdied his final three holes to shoot 3-under 68 and sit two strokes off the first-round lead at the Irish Open on Thursday.

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Image courtesy of "SB Nation"

Irish Open: Rory McIlroy provides interesting reason for solid start (SB Nation)

Rory McIlroy got off to a good start at Royal County Down in his native Northern Ireland, the site of this week's Irish Open.

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Image courtesy of "Compleat Golfer"

Clements leads Irish Open, Lawrence two back (Compleat Golfer)

Todd Clements carded a five-under-par 66 to hold a one-shot lead after the opening round of the Amgen Irish Open.

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Image courtesy of "Independent.ie"

Irish Open Day One: Rory McIlroy best of the Irish after opening 68 at ... (Independent.ie)

Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry were out this afternoon looking to win their second Amgen Irish Open titles this weekend at Royal County Down.

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Image courtesy of "Belfast Live"

Irish Open: Royal County Down has golf fans all saying the same thing (Belfast Live)

Golf fans let their feelings be known on the famous links course after the first day's play.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

BBC Sport NI coverage of Irish Open (BBC News)

Audiences can enjoy TV highlights on Sunday night and radio coverage on Saturday.

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Image courtesy of "Belfast Live"

What channel is the Irish Open on? TV and live stream info for all ... (Belfast Live)

Rory McIlroy will be hoping to earn glory at the Irish Open at Royal County Down.

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Image courtesy of "Insidethegames.biz"

Rory McIlroy remains firmly in the running for the Irish Open (Insidethegames.biz)

Rory McIlroy positions himself among the contenders for the Irish Open after finishing with an impressive run of three consecutive birdies in the first ...

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Image courtesy of "Irvine Times"

Shane Lowry eyeing Sunday showdown with Rory McIlroy at Amgen ... (Irvine Times)

Lowry added a second round of 69 to his opening 72 for a halfway total of one under par at Royal County Down.

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Image courtesy of "Meath Chronicle"

Shane Lowry eyeing Sunday showdown with Rory McIlroy at Irish ... (Meath Chronicle)

Lowry added a second round of 69 to his opening 72 for a halfway total of one under par at Royal County Down.

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Image courtesy of "The Irish Times"

Rory McIlroy edges up Irish Open leaderboard as crowds flock to ... (The Irish Times)

Easy strides and smiles accompany birdies and eagles in Newcastle so far for the world number three.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Irish Open: Shane Lowry eyes weekend duel with Rory McIlroy at ... (BBC News)

When the Irish Open last visited the immaculately manicured links of Royal County Down in 2015, the expected charge up the leaderboard from a strong home ...

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