Meet the 11 Irish Golfers Taking on Royal County Down for the Amgen Irish Open
This week’s Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down will see 11 Irish golfers teeing off, all in search of a home victory—the first since Rory McIlroy’s triumph in 2016. With a mix of seasoned pros and rising stars, local hopes are high for an exciting tournament on one of the world’s most iconic golf courses.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy, the last Irish winner of the event at the K Club in 2016, returns to Royal County Down. While McIlroy’s Irish Open record has been mixed, a return to a venue close to his Holywood home could be just what he needs to reignite his season and finish the DP World Tour on a high note. The world number three will be looking to improve on his previous showing here, having missed the cut the last time Royal County Down hosted in 2015.
Shane Lowry
The 2009 Irish Open champion, Shane Lowry, returns to Royal County Down with fond memories of his breakout win as an amateur. Lowry, who shared third place last year, is hoping his solid form from the PGA Tour carries over into this week’s tournament. “It’s always a week I look forward to, and playing at Royal County Down will be special,” said Lowry, excited to take on one of golf’s great courses.
Pádraig Harrington
Ireland’s golfing legend, Pádraig Harrington, returns to the Irish Open, where he last claimed victory in 2007. Now 53, Harrington remains a fan favorite and a strong contender, aiming to channel his experience and capture some of the magic that led to his historic wins on the global stage.
Tom McKibbin
Young star Tom McKibbin is hoping to boost his standing in the Race to Dubai. With eight top-10 finishes this season, McKibbin needs a strong showing this week to strengthen his PGA Tour card chances. The 21-year-old has shown glimpses of brilliance and will be eager to make a mark at Royal County Down.
Seamus Power
Returning from a hip injury that sidelined him last year, Waterford’s Seamus Power makes his first Irish Open appearance since 2022. Having secured his PGA Tour privileges with a FedEx Cup playoff berth, Power is looking to make the most of his homecoming as he takes on the challenging links.
Mark Power
Mark Power returns to the Irish Open for the fifth time, fresh off being the leading Irish player at the Irish Challenge. Having launched his pro career with a strong showing at the K Club last year, Power is aiming to continue his growth and make his mark in the home event.
Conor Purcell
Challenge Tour winner Conor Purcell is riding high after making the cut in his Irish Open debut last year. The Portmarnock golfer is confident in his game heading into Royal County Down, determined to keep things simple and focus on his performance.
Gary Hurley
Gary Hurley makes his first appearance in the Irish Open since 2017, eager to show how far his game has come since his last outing in the home tournament.
Simon Thornton
Local resident Simon Thornton will relish his return to Royal County Down, a course he knows well as a former assistant pro. After winning the PGA Playoffs earlier this year, Thornton chose to compete at his home course over the PGA Cup, determined to make his mark on familiar turf.
Max Kennedy (Amateur)
Max Kennedy of Royal Dublin, Ireland’s highest-ranked amateur golfer (30th in the world), will make his Irish Open debut after securing one of the two amateur invitations. The rising star is looking to build on his impressive amateur resume at Royal County Down.
Seán Keeling (Amateur)
Seán Keeling, the 17-year-old from Roganstown, earned his place in the field by amassing key points in top amateur tournaments. Making his Irish Open debut, Keeling will be looking to prove himself on the big stage.
With such a strong local presence, hopes are high for an Irish victory as these homegrown talents take on one of the world’s most renowned golf courses at Royal County Down. The Amgen Irish Open promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans and players alike.