Dubai Duty Free Irish Open: Peter Cowen’s review of the week
Not quite the result Rory McIlroy was hoping for in Kilkenny
The final round of this week’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open did not produce the results we had all hoped for.
On reflection all my players and the ones joining me in Scotland next week are positive and excited about what is ahead of them.
Rory McIlroy (-2 / T59). Rory started with a double on hole two but came back with an eagle on five. A steady round with two bogeys to finish, is not what Rory was looking for.
He is in good shape and I am excited about his form and we are planning to be ready for the two huge weeks, next week in Scotland and at the Open Championship the week after. Stay strong Rory and be patient.
Sean Crocker (-13 / T9). Well played to Sean who went to the turn on fire with an eagle and four birdies for a 32. His tied-ninth finish could have been even better and watch out for Sean in the next few weeks.
Thomas Pieters (-12 / T12). Thomas threatened something special with a front nine of 33 but nothing happened on the back nine. I believe good things are just around the corner for Thomas. Keep up the good work and stay positive.
Graeme McDowell (-3 / T56). Graeme has had a steady week that started ominously and he should be proud of his finish after opening with a first-round 74.
Adri Arnaus (-3 / T56). Adri played quite well this week. He just needs to find more consistency all week, with his final round containing two doubles on seven and 16.
Congratulations to Lucas Herbert for his Dubai double, this week’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and the 2020 Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club.
An impressive wire-to-wire victory which is a rare animal these days anywhere in the world of golf. It has been another special week on the European Tour. On to Scotland.