Irish Open: All eyes on Newcastle as world’s best golfers descend on Royal County Down

Under the shadow of the Mourne Mountains, some of the biggest names in golf began their pursuit of the Irish Open title at Royal County Down on Thursday.

All eyes are on the prestigious Newcastle golf course this week as thousands of spectators from across the island of Ireland, and further afield, descend on the seaside town.

Inevitably it was Rory McIlroy who is the star attraction, playing competitively in Northern Ireland for the first time in five years.

The four-time Major Champion has not played a competitive golf tournament on home soil since 2019, when he missed the cut at The Open at Portrush.

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He also failed to make the cut two years previously at the Irish Open at Portstewart.

But there was no shortage of support for the Holywood-born sportsman as he made his return.

Large crowds swarmed around the first tee ahead of his arrival, jostling for a spot and enduring sunshine and showers, as well as quick changes from sunglasses to waterproofs during the much anticipated wait.

A sea of umbrellas shot up shortly before McIlroy arrived at the first tee with 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry enduring the worst of the heavy rain, as a torrential downpour beat down as the Mullingar man got his Irish Open campaign underway.

But the changeable Irish weather did nothing to deter the home crowds supporting McIlroy with shouts of ‘come on Rory’ echoing along the fairway.

Speaking ahead of his bid for a second Irish Open title, McIlroy said he was intent on ensuring he harnessed the home crowd contingent to his advantage.

“It’s great to play in front of them (the fans) but I have to manage my own little world around me to try to get the best out of myself as well.”

Among those to steal a spot on the first tee was Gerard Cunningham from Belfast.

“I’m a bit of a Rory fan, I’d definitely like to see him make the cut this year, but I think it’s great that (Tom) McKibbin is out with him,” he said.

“I’d like to see the kid do well.”

Seen as a rising star in the golfing world, McKibbin (21) who also hails from Holywood, is among some of the best golfers from around the globe competing to win the £780,000 prize fund.

Others hoping to secure the coveted Irish Open title include 2019 PGA Tour winners Aaron Rai and Robert MacIntyre, Team Europe Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald and Irish legend Padraig Harrington.

Daily crowds at this year’s Amgen Irish Open are being limited to around 16,000, approximately 6,000 less than when the famous Newcastle links last hosted the tournament in 2015.

And from early morning on Thursday, people made their way to Royal County Down for the first of four days of golfing action with the event already being hailed as “another unmissable tournament”.

John McGrillen, chief executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “Newcastle is buzzing today and the atmosphere at Royal County Down is fantastic as fans enjoy the opportunity to watch a star-studded line up of world class golfers in action, in the shadow of the magnificent Mourne Mountains.

“Alongside the tournament, there’s plenty happening in Newcastle with a full programme of activities taking place across the town that both golfing spectators and local families can enjoy.”

Away from the course and spectators were able to avail of the hospitality and merchandise on offer in the ‘village’ area.

Jostling for a seat, many people watched the golfing action on the large screens while enjoying refreshments or availing of the parasols for shelter.

However, there was some criticism of the prices with £17 for a burger and chips deemed a “bit excessive” by some spectators.

But for many others, visiting a course recently praised by Golf Digest as one of the finest in the world, was worth the ticket price.

“On a clear spring day, with Dundrum Bay to the east, the Mountains of Mourne to the south and gorse-covered dunes in golden bloom, there is no lovelier place in golf,” it said.

Lawrence Richardson from Co Down, who was watching with a group of friends, agreed.

“Nothing can compare to this course, it’s spectacular,” he said.