Hosting of the Irish Open... The Big 5

Kevinmarkham · 05-02-2018 06:15PM #1

This was posted this afternoon - looks like Rory will soon be one of five hosts of the DDF Irish Open. It'll now be shared between Padraig, Paul, Darren, G-Mac and Rory.

European Tour Press Release

neckedit · 05-02-2018 11:02PM

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

This was posted this afternoon - looks like Rory will soon be one of five hosts of the DDF Irish Open. It'll now be shared between Padraig, Paul, Darren, G-Mac and Rory.

European Tour Press Release

I'd love to see it have a rotation of courses like The Open Championship. I love Ballyliffen, but I must admit to asking why, it's gone there?.... Any way... onwards and upwards for the Irish Open.

Mantis Toboggan · 06-02-2018 07:23AM

Surprised Shane was left off that.

Bubbaclaus · 06-02-2018 07:25AM

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Surprised Shane was left off that.

Why? He's not at the same level of the other 5.

Jawgap · 06-02-2018 07:33AM

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Surprised Shane was left off that.

Probably be added when he wins a Major.

Good move though - especially using McGinley, annoying and all as I find him, he must be one of the best connected people out there in European golf which can only help bring in some of the bigger names.

It would be great, too, if it could keep it's current slot just before the Open, and rotate it around some of our links courses - that might encourage a few more over to use it as preparation for that competition.

Dr Devious · 06-02-2018 11:10AM

Its not "just before the open" the Scottish event is before the open, but next year it will be before the open at Portrush, whoever gets it probably will have a load of yanks playing it as a practice for the open.

Wombatman · 06-02-2018 11:15AM

Rory has used his profile to turn the fortunes of the IO around in the last few years. Love or loath him you have to give him credit for this. Fully entitled to step back a little now and fully focus on his game.

Jawgap · 06-02-2018 11:34AM

Dr Devious wrote: »

Its not "just before the open" the Scottish event is before the open, but next year it will be before the open at Portrush, whoever gets it probably will have a load of yanks playing it as a practice for the open.

Yes, I know when it is.....as I said, 'just before' not "immediately before...."

....for the pedants who read these threads.

Deeper Blue · 06-02-2018 11:54AM

Wombatman wrote: »

Rory has used his profile to turn the fortunes of the IO around in the last few years. Love or loath him you have to give him credit for this. Fully entitled to step back a little now and fully focus on his game.

Yes indeed, 5 years ago it looked a realistic possibility that it would be scrapped completely. Great to see.

Eoinyh · 06-02-2018 07:19PM

Bubbaclaus wrote: »

Why? He's not at the same level of the other 5.

U joking mcginley has done nothing

Jawgap · 06-02-2018 07:27PM

Eoinyh wrote: »

U joking mcginley has done nothing

That's a bit like saying Fergie did nothing in the game of football......if you judge both them of them on their playing career that would be true, but there's more to any game/sport than just playing it.

Eoinyh · 06-02-2018 07:48PM

Jawgap wrote: »

That's a bit like saying Fergie did nothing in the game of football......if you judge both them of them on their playing career that would be true, but there's more to any game/sport than just playing it.

Really, You believe that he won it for them, Ferguson put his teams together,off course it's all about what you done as a player in golf, there is nothing else

ThunderCat · 06-02-2018 07:54PM

Eoinyh wrote: »

Really, You believe that he won it for them, Ferguson put his teams together,off course it's all about what you done as a player in golf, there is nothing else

Don't let Colin Montgomery hear you say that.

Eoinyh · 06-02-2018 08:20PM

ThunderCat wrote: »

Don't let Colin Montgomery hear you say that.

At least monty was a great player and done something when playing

Russman · 06-02-2018 09:12PM

Eoinyh wrote: »

At least monty was a great player and done something when playing

McGinley is high profile through his Sky tv work if nothing else. I'd imagine that was a factor somewhere in the story. As for his playing, well, a member of 3 winning Ryder Cup teams and winner of the Volvo Masters counts for something. The playing argument could just as easily be made about Poulter from a British Masters point of view too. You don't have to be a major winner to host a tournament.

Eoinyh · 06-02-2018 09:37PM

Russman wrote: »

McGinley is high profile through his Sky tv work if nothing else. I'd imagine that was a factor somewhere in the story. As for his playing, well, a member of 3 winning Ryder Cup teams and winner of the Volvo Masters counts for something. The playing argument could just as easily be made about Poulter from a British Masters point of view too. You don't have to be a major winner to host a tournament.

His sky punditry was terrible, predictable, bland, repetitive stuff. Thank god I have t seen him on sky this year, and hope he is finished there. Maybe he had a few highlights in his playing career, nothing special,I'd take lowrys career to date over his, as for captaining the Ryder cup, he milked the life out of that, too much made of it

neckedit · 06-02-2018 09:43PM

Eoinyh wrote: »

His sky punditry was terrible, predictable, bland, repetitive stuff. Thank god I have t seen him on sky this year, and hope he is finished there. Maybe he had a few highlights in his playing career, nothing special,I'd take lowrys career to date over his, as for captaining the Ryder cup, he milked the life out of that, too much made of it

Did Paul upset you at some stage?
did he hurt you? it's ok!! It's gonna be OK!

Milked the Ryder Cup.... Too much made of it..... Oh seriously living this one....

Jawgap · 07-02-2018 06:19AM

Eoinyh wrote: »

Really, You believe that he won it for them, Ferguson put his teams together,off course it's all about what you done as a player in golf, there is nothing else

Not for a moment do I think Europe won because of McGinley, but he played a role and consequently has a decent profile because of that. And it's his profile within the game that makes it a sensible decision to include him in the rota.......despite being quite annoying as a pundit

Rikand · 07-02-2018 07:41AM

Maybe Shane just doesn't have the money to be involved yet. Give him a few more years on tour and big tournie wins and he'll slot himself into number 6

valoren · 07-02-2018 11:27AM

Ona side note, speaking of McGinley/Ferguson, imagine getting a surprise when Fergie walks in before the 2014 Ryder Cup matches and gives a speech about Geese flying in formation as a metaphor for teamwork. You'd be feeling a bit insulted as a highly motivated professional golfer having a Scottish football manager trying to inspire you into doing your bit for the team in one of your sports highest profile events. Surely it is the Ryder Cup captain who ought to be doing the motivating and not the now established trope of having the likes of Stevie G or Pauly O'Connell potentially doing much the same.

valoren · 07-02-2018 11:34AM

Eoinyh wrote: »

His sky punditry was terrible, predictable, bland, repetitive stuff. Thank god I have t seen him on sky this year, and hope he is finished there. Maybe he had a few highlights in his playing career, nothing special,I'd take lowrys career to date over his, as for captaining the Ryder cup, he milked the life out of that, too much made of it

Agreed. As a pundit I have never seen the value he provides. As a pundit he is safe and bland, a no-sh1t-sherlock.

*Player drives it into bunker* "Ah, that was a big mistake there..."
*Player short sides themselves into a bunker* "That'll be a tough up and down..."

He is a good fit for a host for the Irish Open though to that end. A lot of media experience accrued as RC captain and well able to promote to press the flesh and shoot the breeze with sponsors et al.

Jawgap · 07-02-2018 12:01PM

valoren wrote: »

Ona side note, speaking of McGinley/Ferguson, imagine getting a surprise when Fergie walks in before the 2014 Ryder Cup matches and gives a speech about Geese flying in formation as a metaphor for teamwork. You'd be feeling a bit insulted as a highly motivated professional golfer having a Scottish football manager trying to inspire you into doing your bit for the team in one of your sports highest profile events. Surely it is the Ryder Cup captain who ought to be doing the motivating and not the now established trope of having the likes of Stevie G or Pauly O'Connell potentially doing much the same.

Some captains/managers/coaches are roarers and shouters and it works for them, some work more on a personal level.

You probably need both - the 'parent' and the 'driver' (good cop/bad cop)- you look at the combo of Shankly/Paisley, McGeechan/Telfer etc. One to dish out the boll!ckings, one to put an arm around the shoulder and say "it'll be alright, here's what you need to do."

Doesn't really work in golf though, because so much rests on the individual - and beyond picking the wildcards, setting up the pairs and maybe just making sure there's a nice atmosphere around the team, the skipper can't do a whole lot, in the way a football or rugby coach can.

ThunderCat · 07-02-2018 01:17PM

Jawgap wrote: »

Some captains/managers/coaches are roarers and shouters and it works for them, some work more on a personal level.

You probably need both - the 'parent' and the 'driver' (good cop/bad cop)- you look at the combo of Shankly/Paisley, McGeechan/Telfer etc. One to dish out the boll!ckings, one to put an arm around the shoulder and say "it'll be alright, here's what you need to do."

Doesn't really work in golf though, because so much rests on the individual - and beyond picking the wildcards, setting up the pairs and maybe just making sure there's a nice atmosphere around the team, the skipper can't do a whole lot, in the way a football or rugby coach can.

Ryder Cup Captain: "Just taaaaaaap it in"

HighLine · 07-02-2018 01:29PM

I'm hoping the 3-2 bias doesn't reflect an alternating Open between the North and South each year. Too much effort for me to travel last year and this year. #DruidsGlen2020?

Benicetomonty · 07-02-2018 04:51PM

Eoinyh wrote: »

His sky punditry was terrible, predictable, bland, repetitive stuff. Thank god I have t seen him on sky this year, and hope he is finished there. Maybe he had a few highlights in his playing career, nothing special,I'd take lowrys career to date over his, as for captaining the Ryder cup, he milked the life out of that, too much made of it

Agree re the Ryder Cup and his commentary. Having said that, he played in 3 Ryder Cups himself, 1 of which (04) was unquestionably the finest ever performance by a European team, and made it to the top 20 of the world. Maybe he didnt win as much as he should have but he was a damn good player in his day.

Eoinyh · 07-02-2018 07:52PM

neckedit wrote: »

Did Paul upset you at some stage?
did he hurt you? it's ok!! It's gonna be OK!

Milked the Ryder Cup.... Too much made of it..... Oh seriously living this one....

That's my opinion, maybe you should give yours rather than trying to be little mine, a hero of yours it seems

neckedit · 07-02-2018 08:18PM

Eoinyh wrote: »

That's my opinion, maybe you should give yours rather than trying to be little mine, a hero of yours it seems

At it seems I have upset you, McGinley is not a Hero of mine at all, But I do respect what he has done in his golf career, His Ryder Cups, World Cup wins and how he carries himself in the public and how he has represented his country and his sport
.
now that's my opinion. Feel free to belittle all you wish.

Eoinyh · 07-02-2018 09:07PM

neckedit wrote: »

At it seems I have upset you, McGinley is not a Hero of mine at all, But I do respect what he has done in his golf career, His Ryder Cups, World Cup wins and how he carries himself in the public and how he has represented his country and his sport
.
now that's my opinion. Feel free to belittle all you wish.

I understand, you admire him. I like my golf Heros to win big events myself. Golf World Cup-a nothing 2 ball event, Ryder cup-team event played every 2 years, good crack and competitive at times, media sell it on past glories as "a crucial shot at a crucial time"to win, it's usually one shot. I don't see it like that,that he carries himself in public with honour, in fact I see it as the opposite, i think he spurts out the same old rubbish, safe, won't upset anyone or damage his marketability, milk, milk, milk.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ssZ2bKlMu5w
Have a look at this nonsense, IMO that is not carrying yourself well in public and that is the tip off the iceberg with that rubbish coming out of him.
Granted 20th in world rankings is good achievement, but then again you can get to world No.1 and never win!!!!!!!! It's all about winning and winning the big ones.
Getting back to were this started, I would put Lowry streets ahead of him

Bubbaclaus · 07-02-2018 09:11PM

Eoinyh wrote: »

Getting back to were this started, I would put Lowry streets ahead of him

I take it that you are either related to him or else a new fan of the game.

Eoinyh · 07-02-2018 09:35PM

Bubbaclaus wrote: »

I take it that you are either related to him or else a new fan of the game.

A new fan? Why because I rate lowrys acheivements higher than mcginleys acheivements,because I think the Ryder cup is no more than a good weekends crack, we all know Lowry should have a US open, unfortunately the nerves beat him. No I'm not related or a new fan, I'm just not going round blinkered and believing mcginleys hype

Bubbaclaus · 07-02-2018 09:55PM

Eoinyh wrote: »

we all know Lowry should have a US open

What does this even mean? He has 1 win in the last half decade, has never been one of the top 12 Europeans to even make a Ryder cup team, and can't even get into majors or WGCs currently because of his ranking. Why should that resume have a US Open?

redzerdrog · 07-02-2018 09:58PM

McGinley have more influence within the game at this moment in time weather you like it or not. Hopefully Lowry gets to a stage were he will also be considered a suitable host.

Think.this is a great idea and great for the game within Ireland but hopefully it doesn't just go north/south when the northern/southern lads are hosting

neckedit · 07-02-2018 10:11PM

Eoinyh wrote: »

I understand, you admire him. I like my golf Heros to win big events myself. Golf World Cup-a nothing 2 ball event, Ryder cup-team event played every 2 years, good crack and competitive at times, media sell it on past glories as "a crucial shot at a crucial time"to win, it's usually one shot. I don't see it like that,that he carries himself in public with honour, in fact I see it as the opposite, i think he spurts out the same old rubbish, safe, won't upset anyone or damage his marketability, milk, milk, milk.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ssZ2bKlMu5w
Have a look at this nonsense, IMO that is not carrying yourself well in public and that is the tip off the iceberg with that rubbish coming out of him.
Granted 20th in world rankings is good achievement, but then again you can get to world No.1 and never win!!!!!!!! It's all about winning and winning the big ones.
Getting back to were this started, I would put Lowry streets ahead of him

as I said, Not a hero of mine at all, Don't think I can stress that enough, I have no Hero's, I have golfers I admire for different reasons. McGinley is one of them, I have been in his company a couple of times and found him very engaging and interesting to talk to about golf his experience.

Shane Lowery is a superb golfer and I have no doubt that he will be in the winners enclosure again, But, does not have the experience not the pull that McGinley has in the Global game.

Russman · 07-02-2018 10:17PM

If European tournaments needed their hosts to be major winners, they’d be very thin on the ground unfortunately. Let’s face it, most major winners are American broadly speaking.
For the record, I don’t rate McGinley’s punditry at all and I think Sky somehow treat him like he’s the oracle and fountain of all knowledge. Then again, it’s golf, there’s not a whole lot to say really, the pictures tell the story, unless you buy into the “tell us what was going through your mind” bo11oxology that interviewers go for these days. That’s not the point, he’s high profile because of his career on and off the course, and I’m assuming/guessing that with Sky’s coverage of Euro Tour events, this was somehow a factor.

Shane may well end up having a better playing career than McGinley but at the moment I’d say he’s not as recognisable in global terms as regards hosting a big tournament.

neckedit · 07-02-2018 10:18PM

Eoinyh wrote: »

I understand, you admire him. I like my golf Heros to win big events myself. Golf World Cup-a nothing 2 ball event, Ryder cup-team event played every 2 years, good crack and competitive at times, media sell it on past glories as "a crucial shot at a crucial time"to win, it's usually one shot. I don't see it like that,that he carries himself in public with honour, in fact I see it as the opposite, i think he spurts out the same old rubbish, safe, won't upset anyone or damage his marketability, milk, milk, milk.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ssZ2bKlMu5w
Have a look at this nonsense, IMO that is not carrying yourself well in public and that is the tip off the iceberg with that rubbish coming out of him.
Granted 20th in world rankings is good achievement, but then again you can get to world No.1 and never win!!!!!!!! It's all about winning and winning the big ones.
Getting back to were this started, I would put Lowry streets ahead of him

What's Wrong with the Video?
He's talking about his management style during the Ryder Cup?! um what looks like a corporate promo for Investec.....

thewobbler · 08-02-2018 07:40AM

Jesus what a nation of begrudgers.

This isn’t about golfing ability.

You need one thing and one thing only to be a host of an event like this, and that is influence.

Paul McGinley has significantly more influence in the game than Shane Lowry. Hence his decent, but hardly inspiring, pro golf career was rewarded with the highest captaincy honour in the game.

His gravitas may not actually extend into modern generation golfers, but I’m sure you’ll find that he has a corporate pull that adds to the prize pool, so he will attract them in that way.

—-

As for “hopefully the 3/2 split doesn’t reflect in a 3/2 split for the courses”, FFS 3 of 4 most decorated golfers from this island all happen to come from the north. That’s an unalterable fact, and not a statement of political intent.

Keano · 08-02-2018 09:30AM

Back on topic please.

Telecaster58 · 08-02-2018 09:43AM

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Surprised Shane was left off that.

Maybe he was asked, and turned it down.

martinkop · 08-02-2018 11:26AM

Shane, as like Rory is trying to do by passing on the hosting baton from next year and as McGinley has pointed out on the announcement of this thing, should be focused solely on his playing career at the moment and not be bothered by this distraction. The selection is not based on was/is the best golfers, its based on who has time and influence. I have no doubt Shane will be on the rota in 6 years time.

Deeper Blue · 08-02-2018 01:00PM

I'd love to see Portmarnock or Ballybunion host again, what are the chances I wonder? I'd guess Ballybunion is unlikely, maybe Portmarnock though?

martinkop · 08-02-2018 01:14PM

I'd imagine Harrington will push for Portmarnock when it's his turn

08-02-2018 02:05PM

NDWC wrote: »

I'd love to see Portmarnock or Ballybunion host again, what are the chances I wonder? I'd guess Ballybunion is unlikely, maybe Portmarnock though?

martinkop wrote: »

I'd imagine Harrington will push for Portmarnock when it's his turn

I would imagine their membership restrictions are stopping them from holding it currently.

Mushy · 17-02-2018 10:20PM

Parents telling me about some interview with McGinley, apparently he's the 2019 host and Rosses Point is the desired venue. Anyone else hear that?

slingerz · 18-02-2018 05:50PM

Mushy wrote: »

Parents telling me about some interview with McGinley, apparently he's the 2019 host and Rosses Point is the desired venue. Anyone else hear that?

Not sure on Rosses Point but it will be a links and south of Dublin apparently according to the interview with McGinley

Mushy · 18-02-2018 06:37PM

slingerz wrote: »

Not sure on Rosses Point but it will be a links and south of Dublin apparently according to the interview with McGinley

European club please. Parents 20 mins away so very handy

Rikand · 19-02-2018 01:08AM

slingerz wrote: »

Not sure on Rosses Point but it will be a links and south of Dublin apparently according to the interview with McGinley

Surely he'll return to the scene of his greatest triumph and bring the boys to Lahinch!

Dr Devious · 19-02-2018 01:23PM

Rikand wrote: »

slingerz wrote: »

Not sure on Rosses Point but it will be a links and south of Dublin apparently according to the interview with McGinley

Surely he'll return to the scene of his greatest triumph and bring the boys to Lahinch!

He'll go to wherever the European tour tell him.

Claregaafan18 · 20-02-2018 06:55AM

Rikand wrote: »

Surely he'll return to the scene of his greatest triumph and bring the boys to Lahinch!

You could be right. See the link below. As a Clareman I hope that this is true.

https://www.irishgolfdesk.com/news-files/2018/2/20/lahinch-enters-irish-open-frame-for-2019

Rikand · 20-02-2018 07:22AM

Claregaafan18 wrote: »

You could be right. See the link below. As a Clareman I hope that this is true.

https://www.irishgolfdesk.com/news-files/2018/2/20/lahinch-enters-irish-open-frame-for-2019

Irish golf desk following me on boards.ie - my stock is going up!

Keano · 20-02-2018 11:29AM

As a Clare man I would love to see it in Lahinch. Parking might be the big concern

slave1 · 20-02-2018 11:37AM

Great news, Lahinch/Portrush the best two courses in Ireland IMHO (just RCD left for me to play so time will tell if RCD better)

Hosting of the Irish Open... The Big 5

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