G-Mac hails Major feel

Graeme McDowell admits that Royal Portrush is abuzz ahead of the Irish Open and that he’s loving every minute.
Graeme McDowell admits that Royal Portrush is abuzz ahead of the Irish Open and that he’s loving every minute.
For the first time the European Tour have declared a sell out ahead of this week’s tournament in Northern Ireland which is headlined by local legends McDowell, Open champion Darren Clarke and world number two Rory McIlroy.
With an ace field and 100 000 fans expected, McDowell reveals that the tournament feels almost like a Major.
“When these crowds come in over the next few days it’s going to feel like a major championship,” McDowell told the BBC.
“The golf course will certainly be major championship standard and there’s no doubt there will be a little bit of added expectation from the fans looking to see the Irish boys play well.
“Royal Portrush is a golf club with a huge amount of history, given the British Open was staged here in 1951. But in the modern era this is one of the proudest moments for this golf club, for the area and for Northern Ireland.
“It’s a huge thrill to see such a great field assembled and everyone is buzzing and excited.”
The triumphs of McDowell, Clarke and McIlroy in recent years is part of the reason that Royal Portrush is playing host to the tournament for the first time since 1947 and the US Open winner admits that fact brings him great joy.
“To be one of the three or four guys who helped make this happen through our major successes also gives me a huge sense of pride – it’s great to have played a part and it’s kind of a dream come true,” said the 32-year-old.
The week will be a big one for McIlroy, not only because he is looking to arrest a poor run in form, but also because it will be the first time he will be playing in front of his home crowd as a professional.
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy in striking distance as he chases Canadian Open hat-trick
McIlroy two strokes off lead heading into final round alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose.
-
News
Dale Whitnell takes four-shot lead into final round in Stockholm
The Englishman carded a round of 70 despite two double-bogeys.
-
News
Justin Rose recalls ‘magical’ US Open triumph 10 years on
Rose won his first, and so far only, major title at Merion a decade ago.
-
News
Rory McIlroy boosts chances of third RBC Canadian Open title with flawless 67
McIlroy recorded five birdies at Oakdale Golf and Country Club to improve to six under par, three shots off the midway lead held by China’s Carl Yuan.
-
News
England’s Dale Whitnell holds six-shot lead at Scandinavian Mixed
The 34-year-old will take a commanding lead into the weekend of the event which sees men and women compete against each other.
-
News
Georgia Hall hopes Ryann O’Toole relationship helps others be true to themselves
The relationship blossomed after the duo were paired in a tournament in 2022.
-
US Open
5 major contenders for the 123rd US Open
Matt Fitzpatrick is bidding to join Brooks Koepka in winning back-to-back titles.
-
US Open
US Open offers on-course respite from golf’s turbulent times
Matt Fitzpatrick will defend his title with many questions still hanging over the game’s future.
-
LIV Golf
Architect of golf’s surprise merger calls for people ‘to come together’
Jimmy Dunne said there is ‘too much divisiveness’ between the rival tours.
-
PGA Tour
Matt Fitzpatrick one off pace in Canadian Open ahead of title defence
England’s Aaron Rai shares the first-round lead in final event before US Open.