Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open
Co. Clare, Republic of Ireland
Winner: Jon Rahm

After finishing third at the U.S. Open and second at the Andalucia Masters, Jon Rahm completed the progression by winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the second time in three years. The 24-year-old Spaniard has now won four times in 34 tournaments on the European Tour, three of them Rolex Series events. Having won at Portstewart in 2017, just down the road from 2019 Open venue Royal Portrush, Rahm again charged to victory at Lahinch, another classic old links selected as the venue by new host Paul McGinley.

Seven behind at the halfway stage, after rounds of 67 and 71, Rahm added a 64 on Saturday but was still five adrift. A closing 62 left him two ahead of Andy Sullivan and Bernd Wiesberger. Robert Rock, the 54-hole leader, had scored a new course record of 60 on Saturday, missing an eagle putt from just off the green at the last for a 59. He closed with a 70 to share fourth place with Rafa Cabrera Bello and Eddie Pepperell.

After five birdies in the first 10 holes, including from six feet at the blind par-three fifth, Rahm holed a 35-footer for an eagle at the 12th. A poor chip at the next cost a second bogey, but three birdies in the last five holes brought him a second Irish title. Compatriot Seve Ballesteros won the Irish Open three times in four years in 1983-1986.

“I love this tournament,” Rahm said. “I love this country. I love the people and feel like I’m at home every time I come. I’m excited to repeat. My game was in great form, it just didn’t show the first two days. I couldn’t hole the putts and the weekend was the complete opposite. That eagle on 12 just completely got me going.”