For those closely following this week’s historic Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Lahinch here are five players you may care keep a eye on over the course of the four days in Co. Clare.
MARTIN KAYMER
The now 34-year old Kaymer has won two Majors and 21 other tournaments in his career but his last taste of success was five years ago in winning the U.S. Open.
It’s only been in recent weeks that the now World No. 98 has been in contention including leading through two rounds of the recent BMW International Open.
There’s only been one German – Bernhard Langer – to win the Irish Open and Langer did that three times 1984, 1987 and 1994.
Could Kaymer be the second?
Li HAOTONG
Chinese No. 1 Li Haotong has had three top-10s this season including going really low in shooting a 62 to finish runner-up to Dustin Johnson at the Saudi International.
It will be Li’s fourth straight Irish Open so he’s no stranger to links golf. Also, he denied Rory McIlroy a year ago in Dubai and could do the same to an Irishman in Lahinch this Sunday.
If so, Li would be the first non-European winner in 42-years.
ABRAHAM ANCER
I don’t think there’s ever been a Mexican-born golfer teeing-up in an Irish Open but Abraham Ancer, who now lives in Texas, has been afforded an invitation to contest the event.
Ancer’s got credentials too have stunned Aussie crowds in walking off with the Australian Open title.
It is the 28-year old’s maiden European Tour event and it could be memorable
ALVARO QUIROS
The big-hitting Spaniard had gone missing in recent years having recorded six wins between 2007 and 2011. The now 36-year old did win a low-key Tour title in Sicily two years ago but it is only in recent events we are seeing the James Bond fan play the ‘007’ sort of game that excited European crowds more than a decade ago.
And how is this for recent form – 3rd (BMW International Open) & then T2nd in last week’s Andalucia Masters.
SEAMUS POWER
Seamus Power has been given an invitation to compete in Lahinch. It’s a first Irish Open for the very affable West Waterford player in six years.
And after securing the very last spot and holding onto his 2019/20 PGA Tour card, Power is trying hard to make the most of his Stateside chances with a pair of top-10s this season.
It will be a first event Power will contest in Ireland fro many years so he’ll no doubt have plenty of support.
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