Even though I missed the cut, I greatly enjoyed the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open once again. It really is a fantastic event on our Tour, not only because of the quality of the host venue, but also for the incredible involvement shown by the passionate Irish fans every year. And obviously the association with Rory Foundation, and Rory McIlroy himself, completely rejuvenated the tournament this year.
The Royal County Down course could not have been any more ‘linksier’. The golf course, designed by Old Tom Morris for what was considered a princely sum of four guineas back in 1889, is truly a legend. Apart from the various nuances of the layout was the fact that we were actually experiencing three seasons on an hourly basis. Yes, you read it right. There were spells of heavy rain that would fall sideways for 15 minutes, then it would be sunshine for the next 20 minutes, and most of the time it was bone-chillingly cold.
The conditions were extremely tough, and it showed in the scores. There were only five sub-par scores and the champion — one of the nicest fellows on the Tour, Soren Kjeldsen — clinched the deal at two-under par.
Personally, I love playing on golf courses that are tough. I love battling it out with the elements. I enjoy it when you have to think about your next move, and when you have to be imaginative and inventive with each shot. And that’s what courses like Royal County Down force you to do.
My heartiest congratulations to Rory for a very successful event, even though he personally would have loved to be in contention over the weekend. That the tournament was completely sold out and more than 107,000 people braved the weather conditions and made it to the golf course is the best indicator of how well the tournament was received.
While on Rory, I have read a few alarmed comments about his form after missing two cuts in successive weeks at the BMW PGA Championship and the Irish Open. Really, lets not read too much into it. The world No. 1 was playing for the fifth straight week and the conditions, especially at Royal County Down, could have derailed anyone. I am sure he will be alright for the US Open at Chambers Bay after a couple of weeks’ rest.
The European Tour moves to Sweden for the Nordea Masters this week while, across the Atlantic, Jack Nicklaus will be hosting his Memorial tournament at Muirfield Village. Obviously, there is a lot of interest in that tournament as Tiger Woods makes his first competitive appearance after the Players’ Championship.
There were a few encouraging signs for Tiger at Sawgrass, especially with his short game, and it would be interesting to see what kind of a progress he has made since then. Muirfield is a golf course where he has had so much success in the past, so that should definitely add to his confidence.
More than the Irish Open, I was hugely disappointed with the US Open qualifier at the start of the week. I played so well in the 36-hole event and missed qualifying by two shots. What really bugged me was that I hit the ball so well and had at least six or seven chances from inside 10 feet in the second round that I failed to convert.
So, that is the big objective for the next couple of weeks — sharpen up my putting.
— Jeev Milkha Singh is a four-time champion on the European Tour