An Irish Open Invitation

Paul McGinley isn’t just a great ambassador for golf, he’s also the driving force behind the European Tour’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. In 2019, Clare’s spectacular links at Lahinch took the honour of hosting what is now one of the key events on the European Tour.

Following hugely successful Irish Opens at world-class courses including Ballyliffin, Royal Portrush, Carton House, Fota Island, the K Club and Portstewart, the European Tour has cemented the Irish Open’s reputation as an iconic event in the golfing calendar. Now Lahinch, located along the Wild Atlantic Way, joins this list of championship courses.

A golfing heritage

Perusing the list of past winners reads like a who’s who of golfing legends. Since George Duncan's win at the inaugural event at Portmarnock back in 1927, greats such as Seve Ballesteros, José María Olazábal, Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Sergio Garcia, Sam Torrance, Colin Montgomerie, Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry have all lifted the coveted trophy.

Amongst some of the most breathtaking and challenging courses in the world, you’ll find an extraordinary welcome both on and off the fairways. Add to that a rich tradition of producing some of the finest talent in the game’s history, it’s no wonder this leafy land is often referred to as the ‘green of dreams’.