Some of the best golfers from home and abroad will very soon be in the beautiful North Clare coastal resort of Lahinch for the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. This year’s host is the McGinley Foundation, headed by golfer and former Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley. As with all parts of Ireland when there is something special happening in a part of one county the entire population of that county gets fully behind it and the excitement is felt in every corner. That is exactly how it is in Clare this week as the people of Lahinch make the final preparations for the week ahead.
There will certainly be plenty of action on the beautiful but challenging championship course in Lahinch from Wednesday when the Pro-Am will be taking place. Celebrities like singer Niall Horan, rugby legend Paul O’Connell, actor James Nesbitt, Clare sporting greats Davey Fitzgerald & Shane O’Donnell and many more will be teeing it up.
On Thursday morning home-grown golfing talent like Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Paul Dunne and the very in-form Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell will be among the long list of world class players who will be wowing the public. Other greats include Spaniards Jon Rahm and Rafa Cabrera Bello, Brits Ian Poulter, Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Wallace and Tyrrell Hatton, South African Louis Oosthuizen and German Martin Kaymer.
Again, in keeping with Irish traditions of maximising the fun and inclusive nature of whatever happens there is a very exciting programme of events planned from family days, live music gigs, local competitions and much more throughout the week. “There is someting for everyone in Lahinch this week” were the words used by Michael Vaghan from the Vaughan Lodge when he spoke to Ger Sweeney over the weekend about what’s going on in the area. You can hear this chat below.
Visitors considering a trip to Lahinch can find a host of information on travel, parking and a general guide to events on the Clare County Council website www.clarecoco.ie
Photos: irishgolfer.ie, lahinchgolf.com, depositphotos.com