McIlroy, the career Grand Slam winner, claimed his first Irish professional title when winning the Irish Open by three strokes at the venue back in 2016.

Tee off times for round 1

McIlroy happy to be back

Remembering that victory, the County Down-native admitted:

“It’s lovely to be back. I’ve got some great memories of the K Club. I came here to watch the Ryder Cup in 2006 with my dad and to win my only Irish Open here nine years ago. It’s got a lot of great memories for me, and hopefully I can add to them this week.”

The five-time Major Champion will join fellow Irish golfers Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington and Séamus Power at the Palmer North Course as action gets underway on Thursday morning.

The former winner will start at 8am on the tenth hole as part of group 17.

Amgen Irish Open Ticket Information

Easy for Lowry to motivate himself

Lowry, like McIlroy, will attempt to win the Irish Open for a second time, having taken the title as an amateur at Baltray 16 years ago.

Speaking ahead of the start of this year’s Amgen Irish Open, the Offaly man, who tees off at the 10th hole at 7.50am Thursday morning with American Brooks Koepka and Frenchman Martin Couvra, said:

“I’m very excited. It’s good to be back here at a place I know pretty well. I get to stay in my own bed for a few days, which is nice. Things have been going pretty well and the week has been going very nice so far.

“I’ve got an exciting few weeks ahead, starting with this week. I think, as a golfer, as an Irish golfer, as a European golfer, if I can’t get myself motivated and ready and up for what’s to come over the next month, starting with Thursday at the Amgen Irish Open, I should pack it in.”

30 not out for Harrington

Three-time Major winner Pádraig Harrington will make his 30th consecutive appearance in the Irish Open.

Thinking ahead to the tournament, Harrington, who tees off at 7.40am on Thursday morning on the 10th hole, stated:

“I kind of now know that if I go out there tomorrow and I smile and don’t get too stressed, don’t get angry or anything like that, I pretty much can hit any shot, and they’ll still like me out there and still give me a few claps. I’m a little bit more relaxed about it. I’d love to play well and compete, but if that doesn’t happen, I will wave to the crowd, smile and wave at the crowds and enjoy it.”

Event Information & FAQs:

All the details you need, to be prepared for the #AmgenIrishOpen this week!

— Amgen Irish Open (@IrishOpen_) September 2, 2025

To win would mean everything to Power

Waterford golfer, Séamus Power, spoke today of his delight at playing in front of a home crowd.

The US-based golfer said:

“I don’t get to play in front of Irish fans that often but when I do it’s always great. They’re cheering you on every step of the way. Seeing friendly faces and stuff in the crowd, it goes a long way. In the afternoon with a rough stretch or something like that, it will keep me going. I suppose it’s rare for me, so that makes it even more special.

“It would mean everything to win this week. We were talking last night and going through Shane Lowry’s win at this event in 2009, and winning that, it would mean everything for me. I feel like in Ireland we really, really appreciate our own sports people. Golf is actually a sport that’s so popular now, and just to be part of the heritage of the tournament would be amazing. It would be a dream come true.”

Ryder Cup Captain Donald competing

Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald is also in this week’s field. The Englishman made his Captain’s Picks at the beginning of the week, and will be joined by three of the 12 players who will make up his team in New York later this month – McIlroy, Lowry and Englishman Tyrrell Hatton.

Birdies for Wishes Campaign

Title Sponsor Amgen have once again partnered with the DP World Tour for the Birdies for Wishes campaign, with Amgen and the DP World Tour donating €300 combined to Make a Wish Ireland for every birdie or better carded by the field on the first hole during the four tournament rounds.

The three Amgen ambassadors – Harrington, Lowry and Power – have committed to the fundraising effort, pledging to donate €500 for every birdie and €1,000 for every eagle they card during the week.

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Along with the Irish golfer, for whom it will be a third appearance in the competition, Donald named Ludvig Åberg, Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka as his six Captain’s Picks.

They join the six automatic qualifiers – Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Rasmus Højgaard, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose – to compete the 12-man European team for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.

McIlroy will be the most experienced player on the team with seven previous appearance in the biennial competition.

The contest against the United States, will take place at Bethpage Black, Farmington, New York, from September 26-28.

First away Ryder Cup

Sweden’s Åberg and Straka of Austria will each be playing in their first away Ryder Cup, having made their debuts in the 16 ½ – 11 ½ victory in Rome two years ago.

Norwegian Hovland, who paired up with fellow Scandinavian Åberg in a record-breaking foursomes win in Rome, will be making his third consecutive appearance.

Fourth Ryder Cup for Fitzpatrick and Rahm

Englishman Fitzpatrick and Spain’s Rahm are the most experienced of the Captain’s Picks, with three previous appearances apiece. Fitzpatrick teed it up in 2016, 2021 and 2023, with Rahm now making it four in a row, following his debut in Paris in 2018.

11 of the 12 players from Rome return

European Ryder Cup captain, Luke Donald, said of his side:

“We are a settled and united team with a strong culture, with 11 of the 12 players from the victory in Rome returning, and an exciting, talented rookie in Rasmus Højgaard, who was around our team environment in Rome.

“We also have a lot of experience and that is going to be important going to Bethpage because we know the challenge that awaits us.

“Although the team itself is similar to Rome, I have approached this captaincy from a very different angle. A different challenge requires different thinking and strategies.

“I’m excited that we now have our 12 players in place, and together we are all fully focused on trying to retain the Ryder Cup in New York and trying to create history.”

EUROPEAN TEAM FOR THE 2025 RYDER CUP

Ludvig Åberg (Sweden). Age 25. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

Matt Fitzpatrick (England). Age 31. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2016, 2021, 2023)

Tommy Fleetwood (England) Age 34. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Tyrrell Hatton (England). Age 33. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Rasmus Højgaard (Denmark) Age 24. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)

Viktor Hovland (Norway). Age 27. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)

Shane Lowry. Age 38. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)

Robert MacIntyre (Scotland). Age 29. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

Rory McIlroy. Age 36. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 7 (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023)

Jon Rahm (Spain). Age 30. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Justin Rose (England) Age 45. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 6 (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2023)

Sepp Straka (Austria). Age 32. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

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Historic Win Secures Masters Invitation

24 year old Joe Highsmith, made the cut on the number at the Cognizant Classic, then shot back to back 64s to take home the trophy, a 2 year PGA Tour exemption, an invite to The Masters and more than doubled his career earnings in the process. Awesome! pic.twitter.com/dt7tE47n0y

— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) March 3, 2025

Joe Highsmith delivered a stunning final round at the Cognizant Classic, carding a 7-under 64 to overturn a four-shot deficit and claim his maiden PGA Tour victory in dramatic fashion.

His 64-64 weekend set a tournament record for the lowest closing 36-hole score since the event moved to PGA National in 2007. The two-shot win not only cements his breakthrough on the PGA Tour but also earns him a coveted place at the Masters, along with entry into the remaining five signature events of the season.

Highsmith’s triumph was all the more remarkable given the pressure he faced just to make the cut. A crucial par putt on Friday kept him in the tournament, and he never looked back.

Knapp’s Collapse Opens the Door

Overnight leader Jake Knapp, who made history with an opening-round 59, saw his hopes of a wire-to-wire victory unravel on the back nine.

Leading by one on the 11th, Knapp found the water, took two shots to escape, and walked away with a devastating triple bogey. The setback saw him tumble down the leaderboard, eventually settling for a tie for sixth.

Junior Bridgeman (64) and J.J. Spaun (68) finished as joint runners-up, while Ireland’s Shane Lowry closed with a 67 to secure a tie for 11th.

Lydia Ko Dominates in Singapore for 23rd LPGA Title

Fast Start Seals HSBC Women’s World Championship

Lydia Ko showcased her class with a flawless final round to capture her first HSBC Women’s World Championship title in Singapore.

The New Zealander, playing in the tournament for the 11th time, began the day with a one-shot lead and wasted no time in extending it, reeling off three consecutive birdies from the sixth hole to take control.

A composed 3-under 69 saw her finish four shots clear of Jeeno Thitikul (70) and Ayaka Furue (68), marking her 23rd career LPGA victory.

Hull’s Challenge Fades

Charley Hull, who started just one shot behind Ko, saw her chances slip away with a disappointing 74, finishing in a tie for fourth alongside Im Jin Hee, who posted the best round of the day with a 67, and Gaby Lopez (70).

Ko’s victory adds to an already glittering career that includes an Olympic gold medal and LPGA Hall of Fame status, reaffirming her place among the game’s elite.

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It will be a second time in the Ryder Cup for Lowry, and a first of European soil, having played at Whistling Straits in the USA two years ago.

Donald has also chosen Ludvig Åberg, Tommy Fleetwood, Nicolai Højgaard, Justin Rose and Sepp Straka for the European Ryder Cup side. This year’s competition place at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, from September 29 – October 1.

The six captain’s picks join Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm, all of whom qualified automatically for the contest against the United States.

Sweden’s Åberg, Denmark’s Højgaard and Austria’s Straka will all make their Ryder Cup debuts at the end of the month.

For England’s Tommy Fleetwood it will be a third consecutive Ryder Cup, following his debut in 2018 when he won four points out of five in Paris. Justin Rose, another English player, will be making his sixth appearance at the Ryder Cup, and his first since Paris five years ago.

Luke Donald

European Captain Donald said: “I am delighted to announce Ludvig, Tommy, Nicolai, Shane, Justin and Sepp as part of Team Europe for the Ryder Cup, joining the six players who qualified automatically.
 
“We have great depth of talent in Europe, and that is perfectly illustrated with the team we now have confirmed for Rome, which is a strong blend of players with previous Ryder Cup experience combined with exciting and talented rookies.
 
“I’m really pleased to have this team now in place, and we are all looking forward to going to Rome later this month and trying to win back the Ryder Cup.”

EUROPEAN TEAM FOR THE 2023 RYDER CUP

Ludvig Åberg (Sweden). Age 23. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)
Matt Fitzpatrick (England). Age 29. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2016, 2021)
Tommy Fleetwood (England) Age 32. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2018, 2021)
Tyrrell Hatton (England). Age 31. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2018, 2021)
Nicolai Højgaard (Denmark). Age 22. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)
Viktor Hovland (Norway). Age 25. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2021)
Shane Lowry (Ireland). Age 36. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2021)
Robert MacIntyre (Scotland). Age 27. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)
Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland). Age 34. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 6 (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021)
Jon Rahm (Spain). Age 28. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2018, 2021)
Justin Rose (England) Age 43. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 5 (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018)
Sepp Straka (Austria). Age 30. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)

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Lowry, who teed off at 11.40am, immediately birdied the opening hole. Following a run of pars on the next three holes, the Clara-native claimed his second birdie of the round at the 5th hole.

Further birdies on 10, 11 and and 14, with a bogey in between at the 12th was soon followed by his sixth birdie of the day at the penultimate hole. With a par on the last, Lowry finished the tournament on -12.

Pádraig Harrington had an incredible start to his final round at the Horizon Irish Open. The US Open Senior Champion made 6 birdies in the opening eight holes, and turned in 30.

The closing nine holes were not as successful for the Dubliner however. A double bogey at 10 saw him lose momentum. Bogeys at 16 and 18 with a birdie in between at the seventeenth hole saw the former dual Open Champion end the 2020 Horizon Irish Open on -3 for the round – his best of the week, on an overall score of -7.

Waterford’s Séamas Power had three birdies and an eagle at the par three 6th. He posted a round of four under par, finishing the tournament on seven under par.

Niall Kearney had four birdies and 2 bogeys in a two under par round of 70 and ends this year’s Horizon Irish Open on -4.

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The 29-year-old birdied three of the last four holes at Mount Juliet Estate on Saturday to sit top of the leaderboard on 14 under par.

“I’m quite excited,” admitted Meronk. “Just happy with my score so far. Played pretty solid again today. And, yeah, can’t wait for tomorrow for sure.

“To be honest, the conditions were quite tough. Our first eight holes I would say was just — the rain was on and off. It was actually raining pretty hard for three holes. So that was quite challenging. But you know, being in contention, seeing all these people, it’s quite exciting.”

Meronk was the first Polish player to win on the European Challenge Tour at the 57º Open de Portugal in 2018, before going on to become the first Pole to graduate to the DP World Tour later that year. In 2021, he became the first player to fly the Polish flag in a Major Championship when he teed it up at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.

Merink is one shot ahead of second round leader Jorge Campillo. The Spaniard currently shares second place with England’s Jack Senior and Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti on 13 under par.

The 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry currently leads the home charge, having posted a four under par 68 early on Saturday to move to seven under. The Offaly man is seven shots off the lead, however.

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The Waterford man carded a three under par round of 68 today and finds himself on -8, three shots behind the tournament leader Jorge Campillo of Spain.

US Open Senior Champion Pádraig Harrington posted a 72, a shot worse off than his opening round. Today’s round which included 6 birdies, 2 bogeys and a double bogey six on the seventh hole leaves the Dubliner on -3 for the tournament.

An incredible four birdies in the last four holes saw Shane Lowry stay involved at Mount Juliet for the weekend. Prior to the 15^th hole, the Offaly man had four bogeys and only two birdies on his card. His round of 70 left him on the cut-off mark of -3.

Niall Kearney, the joint-leading Irish player yesterday finds himself eight shots off the leader on -3 alongside Shane Lowry after shooting one over par round of 73 in the second round.

Amateurs Mark Power and Colm Campbell Jnr ended their tournament on with rounds of par and three-over par respectively.

The other Irish golfers John Murphy, Cormac Sharvin, Jonathan Cadwell, Paul Dunne and David Higgins all ended their involvement in the 2022 Horizon Irish Open when failing to make the cut.

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“I say it every year, it’s always great to come back to The Irish Open, the tournament.  It’s kind of close to me, and I owe a lot to it for where I am in the game with the start that I had with The Irish Open in 2009, and, yeah, gave me the kick start to my career that I really needed, definitely gave me one up on the rest of the guys around my level at the time.”

Discussing his good early season form, the Offaly native said:

“It’s been a nice stretch for me, and I feel confident, I feel good about my game. So it’s just about managing expectation in a week like this really.  But I feel like I’m doing that every week because I feel like every week I play now is such a big week, and every week I really want to do well.”

Though there is added pressure on the Irish players this week to perform in front of the home crowd, according to the former Irish Open Champion Shane Lowry:

“It’s just managing expectation, managing myself around the course and allowing myself to play good golf, and I’ll be fine. I treat it like any other tournament. I was actually talking about it the other night, you come back to Ireland like once a year to play this tournament.  And especially this year, when things have been going well and I’ve been playing quite good, there’s no point shying away, one of the highest ranked players in the field, one of the top Irish players, one of the players that people really want to do well. There’s expectation there.”

So, how will the Clara-native perform this week?

“I’m just going to be myself and be as good as I can with everyone and just give people what they want. Because I think that’s just nice. When I was a kid coming to The Irish Open, that’s what I wanted. So it’s nice to be able to do that. And, no, not doing anything different.  I’m staying here on site, my family are here. I’m going to up and down and around for dinner and stuff. Nothing really different.”

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The Horizon Irish Open returns to Mount Juliet Estate from June 30 – July 3, where home heroes Pádraig Harrington, Shane Lowry and Séamus Power will lead a field. Ryder Cup stars Tyrrell Hatton, Thomas Pieters and Thorbjørn Olesen as well as defending champion Lucas Herbert will also participate.

Full capacity crowds will return to the historic event for the first time since 2019, and unprecedented demand means all General Admission tickets for the weekend have now been snapped up, while Premium Packages for the whole week have also sold out completely.

Fans hoping to attend for Wednesday’s Celebrity Pro-Am or the opening two days of tournament play, Thursday and Friday, are encouraged to purchase their tickets now to avoid disappointment.

“We have been blown away by the eagerness of the Irish golf fans to return to their national Open this year and this is the earliest weekend sell-out we have ever experienced,” said Simon Alliss, the DP World Tour’s Championship Director for the Horizon Irish Open.

“It is set to be an incredible week, with exciting music acts Hermitage Green and Allie Sherlock adding to the festival atmosphere for which this event is famous.

“With Shane Lowry in red-hot form and Séamus Power returning for the first time since becoming a PGA TOUR winner, it is shaping up to be a huge celebration of Irish golf. We are looking forward to a cracking week at the wonderful Mount Juliet Estate.”

Last year, the returning home fans watched Herbert triumph in wire-to-wire fashion, sealing a three-stroke victory for a second DP World Tour title. The promising 25-year-old has since won for the first time on the PGA TOUR, at October’s 2021 Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

Prior to the 2021 edition, Mount Juliet had hosted the Irish Open for three consecutive years in 1993, 1994 and 1995, won by Nick Faldo of England, Bernhard Langer of Germany and Sam Torrance of Scotland respectively.

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