2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Preview
The European Tour is in action this week at Lahinch Golf Club for the Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open. Last year, Russell Knox defeated Ryan Fox in a sudden-death playoff for his 2nd career European Tour title. He’s back to defend his title, but he’ll have to beat a tough field which includes two of the top-20 players in the world: Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood. Other notables in the field include last week’s winner Christiaan Bezuidenhout, former Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, and two-time major champion Martin Kaymer.
LOCATION
Lahinch Golf Club:
Is one of the most historic links golf courses in Ireland, and it will host this prestigious event for the first time. Since 1895, it has hosted the South of Ireland Championship, one of Ireland’s top amateur tournaments.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jon Rahm: The 11th-ranked player in the world has been in top form as of late. He finished tied for third in the U.S. Open, and tied for second in last week’s Andalucia Masters. He won this event in 2017, and a win here would give him plenty of momentum heading into the Open Championship.
Shane Lowry:
The highest-ranked Irishman in the field has had decent success in this event over the years. He won the Irish Open as an amateur in 2009, and he has played well in the majors in 2019. This is a great opportunity to earn his 2nd title of the season this week.
