2/2 RCD runs out of a bit of steam by the 14th tee (with a couple of exceptions) and 17 needs a serious rework I think but blind shots and all, RCD is both a beautiful and brilliant course and with the wind that’s forecast, this could be a really great edition of the Irish Open.

For anyone born in the ‘60s/50’s this is sensible stuff from Darren Clarke but Darren’s natural ball strike talent level has always been very high so a little (lot) easier for him to adjust. Still this is more appropriate for senior golfers than the majority of stuff out there.

Heaven called. Said they were missing a bit. Found it. First tee ⁦this morning Amgen Irish Open⁩

Much has been said about the views in Royal County Down & the strategy it demands & that it’s designed by nature as much as by architects. But what I love most is that I know of nowhere I’ve seen the game played where technology ‘advances’ are less relevant to how a course plays.

Leona Maguire says it was a "bitter pill to swallow" to sit out 3 sessions. "She didn't give much reason, to be honest. The feeling I got was that I was a little bit too short and didn't make enough birdies, but I think proved today there's more than one way to skin a cat."

Suzann Pettersen on Sat after leaving Leona out of 3 sessions. “I saw Leona the practice days. She was hitting it pretty decent. Under pressure she might not kind of have executed the way she wanted to & that kind of does something with your confidence ”. So that’s clear then.🙄

Listen here to the American TV commentators’ remarks after Leona holes out for a 4&3 win over 2021 LPGA Matchplay Champ Ally Ewing. The Americans clearly hold her in high regard. They must have been baffled & probably relieved that Suzann Pettersen left her out of 3 sessions…

Something a bit different my drawing of 15 Irish Golf Legends printed on to a mug ✍️☕️🏌️🇮🇪☘️💚 As always any retweets would be lovely and much appreciated 👍🙏 #golf #ireland #eire

For some context and some clarity on Leona’s tweet about “form is temporary, class is permanent”. Listen to what Suzann Pettersen says here after she says the word ‘unfortunately’…..

A day on from the Irish Open I’m trying to think of a better one. The result may not have been what the gallery desired but right down to the penultimate shot it was wonderful.A combination of a golf course crafted largely by nature & pure human sporting endeavour. It had it all.

This is so ‘on-point’ from Rhasidat Adeleke who knows that converting from a pure speed-based sprinter to an elite one lapper is a complex ongoing process.She has more basic speed than her rivals & great to see she’s embracing the hard work ahead to become a complete 400m runner.

The Valley course in Royal Portrush G.C. might be the least spoken about 18 hole links gem in Ireland just because it’s overshadowed by big brother Dunluce. And it’s about to get a lot better. Ditto the Yellow nine in Portmarnock Golf Club …

I honestly may have missed something, but I don't think players were ever *not* eligible for either the Ryder Cup or PGA.

Sara Byrne's first Ladies European Tour start as a professional saw the Douglas woman get off to an excellent start with a two-under-par 70 that was good for a tie for 17th at La Sella Golf Club in Alicante. irishgolfer.ie/latest-golf-ne…

I highlighted the Wembley fight as a case of Saudi sportswashing. And this is what happened next telegraph.co.uk/boxing/2024/09…

It’s Presidents Cup week. Been some close ones but it’s been mostly a mis-match since the 1998 Int’l team including Norman,Singh,Price & Els, won with ease. All of US team are in Top 25 against just 4 Intl’s. It’s 9-in-a-row for USA. Time for an upset if it’s to remain relevant.

Brian Huggett was a gnarly gritty competitor with almost a 50% Ryder Cup record at a time when Britain & Ireland were regularly thumped. Biggest cheque of his career came at 61 in British Seniors. Last of the GB&I Ryder Cup captains in 1977 who strongly advocated for Europe. RIP.

Good stuff here from Alan Shipnuck. Great questions and even better answers in particular on the effect of the Golf War & the existential crisis threatened by plummeting TV ratings for the PGA Tour and the stagnant ratings for LIV. Some Rory stuff here too.mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/t…

Sad news: #NFL HOFer Brett Favre announced he has Parkinson's disease at 54. He's also said he believes he has #CTE. Among those w/CTE who had signs of Parkinsonism, only 24% had 'classic' Parkinson's. For 76%, it appears their symptoms are caused by CTE

Ever bucking the trend, Shane Ryan makes a good argument here but, the Presidents Cup over-taking the Ryder Cup? Nah, nice try… not going to happen. But golf needs the Ryder Cup in Bethpage to be a Sunday cliffhanger. The sport badly needs a huge shot of that kind of oxygen.