Irish Golfer Podcast: Recent Episodes
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The latest news, reviews, features and in depth interviews from every level of Irish Golf. Stay Ahead of The Game with Irish Golfer. New Episode every Monday www.irishgolfer.ie
On this week's podcast, Pete and Ronan dig deep into the weekly news from around the world of golf. From Bob MacIntyre's win on home soil at the Dunhill to the McManus and Desmond legacy continuing in the team event. Post the Sutton 9-hole matchplay event, the PGA in Ireland season drew to a close with Simon Thornton claiming the Elavon Order of Merit... but what was the point with the PGA Playoffs now scrapped? We also look at what Conor Purcell, Seamus Power, Liam Nolan, Mx Kenneddy and Leona Maguire need to do on their respective tours to close out their 2025 seasons on a positive note.
This week, we sit and discuss Europe's amazing win at Bethpage. Ronan and Pete dig into everything from Lowry's heroics to McIlroy's abuse, a toothless golf course and the tale of two very different captains. Enjoy!
On this week's podcast, the lads preview all things Ryder Cup in Bethpage. Can Europe get it done, and have we already out-prepared Team USA? We also discuss Caolan Rafferty completing the Irish Championship slam to become the first player to win all four provincial Championships.
This week Pete, Ronan and Mark recap on another iconic Irish Open at The K Club. From Rory's magic eagle to Alex Maguire fist pumping 73's, The 2025 Amgen Irish Open had it all. We also dive into another Walker Cup disappointment at Cyprus Point. Enjoy....
Tommy Fleetwood you’ve bested us again. On this week’s edition of the podcast the lads delve into Tommy Fleetwood’s latest PGA Tour heartbreak as Justin Rose aged like a fine wine and beat JJ Spain in a playoff at the St Jude Championship.
There was glory for Robert Moran who chipped in on the 18th at Killeen Castle to finish fourth at the Irish Challenge and earn a spot in next months Amgen Irish Open while Simon Thornton joined Paul McGinley and Philip Walton in winning his fourth Irish PGA Championship at Monkstown.
On this week’s edition of the podcast, the lads are on site in Monkstown Golf Club for the Brown and Brown 115th Irish PGA Championship. Monkstown will provide a stern test of golf as the players prepare for the flagship event of the season. We have preview chats with Niall Kearney, Cormac Sharvin and Head Professional at Monkstown, Cian McNamara before play gets underway on Tuesday. We also recap the AIG Women's Open and Cam Young claiming his first PGA Tour victory.
On this week's edition of the podcast, the lads sit down to celebrate Pádraig Harrington's victory at the Senior Open as he became the fifth player to win both the Open and Senior Claret Jugs.
Ronan is hot off the plane after experiencing a LIV (Maxi Golf League) event for the first time at JCB Golf and Country Club. He talks through what he believes works and what he can't buy into and also the type of atmosphere they are trying to create. A 57 year drought was ended at the South of Ireland as Jonathan Keane ensured that the trophy remained on home soil for the first time since 1968 when he beat Caolan Rafferty in a thrilling final. Additionally, we preview the AIG Women's Open and examine Seamus Power's concerning form.
The Irish Golfer house hosts the last of the Open podcasts as the lads sit down to digest Scottie Scheffler’s procession to victory as he collected his second major victory of the season in Royal Portrush. Can anyone stop Scheffler’s dominance? How many majors will he end up with? Rory McIlroy is building back up to his best and brought plenty of fireworks while Shane Lowry had a Sunday to remember even without silverware this time.
- Ronan and Mark sit down to digest Saturday at The Open. Scottie Scheffler holds a four-shot lead going into the final day as the world number one carded a third-round 67 to reach 14-under-par. Is this over or can one of the challenging pack chase him down? Rory is still hopeful that a fast start on Sunday can put some pressure on. We are not so sure.
Mark and Ronan recap Friday at the Open Championship as Pete took a significant fall!! Cut day served up plenty of drama, but none more so than Shane Lowry’s harsh ruling that saw him penalised two shots for accidentally moving his ball on the 12th. Rory McIlroy continues to fight with his swing, and at three under, he is seven shots behind Scottie Scheffler, who took control of the tournament with a superb round of 64 to lead by one from Matthew Fitzpatrick.
It's Open Championship eve in the Irish Golfer house and the lads are giddy but also bracing themselves for an early start as they set their alarms for the crack of dawn to catch Pádraig Harrington's opening tee shot and find out where he bought his 99 ice cream.
First tee pressures won't be exclusive to just Harrington as big receptions await Shane Lowry, Tom McKibbin and Rory McIlroy at Royal Portrush. We have a chat with Harrington about having the honour of hitting the opening tee shot at 06:35 on Thursday morning and why he has no intention of becoming a ceremonial golfer despite the scenario he finds himself in.
As the excitement builds for the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, we share our Tuesday takes. From a surprise appearance by Rory dressed in his green jacket, to chats with Bryson, Rahm, and Scottie... and ice cream with Harrington.
On this week's edition, the lads have made their way up to The Open. Can Rory continue the form he found in Scotland? Is McKibbin one to watch? How will Lowry fare? Will Harrington be happy hitting the opening tee shot? All this plus a recap of all the weekend action, including Leona finding form at the Evian.
On this week's edition of the podcast, we recap the KPMG Women's Irish Open. How successful it has been in its four years and how it can continue to grow moving forward. There were also missed chances for Seamus Power and Conor Purcell on both sides of the Atlantic as they battle to retain cards on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour respectively. Knock, knock, it's Europe as the Irish men's, and women's, boys and girls' teams take on the cream of the crop in the European Amateur Team Championships.
On this week's edition of the podcast we discuss what could have been an all time weekend for Irish golf but ultimately ended in heartbreak on a number of fronts. Gavin Tiernan's glorious run to the Amateur final in Royal St George's ended on the 36th hole of a gripping final, just hours before Max Kennedy left a maiden professional win behind him.
Leona Maguire is trending nicely ahead of next week's KPMG Women's Irish Open in Carton House while the big story of the weekend was Keegan Bradley vs Tommy Fleetwood as the Travelers Championship provided a sneak peak into the Ryder Cup. Is Bradley capable of being a playing captain?
On this week's edition of the podcast, we dive into JJ Spaun's sensational US Open win at Oakmont. Spaun had been unheralded and considered giving up the game last year but now his life has changed. Oakmont as a golf course was the big winner in the end as Sunday became survival of the fittest.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry had disappointing weeks while there was more media controversy for McIlroy who took a jibe at journalists on site while Lowry had a moment to forget on the 14th. Meanwhile, 18 Irish are in action at the Amateur Championship while the Flogas Women's Irish Amateur takes places in Headfort.
This week it's a full US Open preview as we delve into the carnage that could unfold at Oakmont. What Rory McIlroy will turn up has he got a chance or is it already too late? Can Shane Lowry find the patience needed to withstand the test as he looks for his revenge nine years later?
There were close shaves for Lauren Walsh and Graeme McDowell on Tour while Darren Clarke teamed up with Thomas Bjorn for a team Champions Tour win and Jessica Ross made it third time lucky as she won the European Mid-Am in Portugal. We also have an Irish Challenge preview with Liam Nolan at Killeen Castle.
On this week's edition of the podcast the lads discuss another Scottie Scheffler masterclass at the Memorial as he won his third event in four starts and will rightly be the overwhelming favourite to win next week's US Open.
Shane Lowry's putting continues to be a worry despite all of his excellent golf from tee to green while slow play reared its ugly head at the US Women's Open but there were positive signs for Leona Maguire despite a third missed cut in a row at Erin Hills.
On this week's podcast we look back at the PGA Championship in Quail Hollow. Everything from Scottie's dominance to Rory's silence and the USGA's lack of transparency.
On this week's edition we catch up with Stuart Grehan after his stunning playoff win in Seapoint. Ronan and Peter also try to get the juices flowing for the second Major of the year as the PGA Championship is all set for Quail Hollow
This week we caught up with Flogas brand ambassador Gary Murphy as he prepares to tee it up in Mount Juliet for this weeks OFX Irish Legends event.
On this week's show Peter and Ronan took a spin down to Seapoint to sit with Stuart Grehan and John Rooney MD at Flogas to preview the 2025 Flogas Irish Amateur Championship.
While the golfing world might still be coming to terms with Rory McIlroy's dramatic, Career Grand Slam-completing victory at the Masters, the first major of the Irish amateur season is upon us as County Sligo Golf Club gets set for the 2025 Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland Championship.
There was more than just a tentative link between Rory's Masters success and the Championship as Rory is a two-time West of Ireland winner (2005 & 2006) while Rory's caddie, Harry Diamond, followed suit with a win in Rosses Point in 2012.
Mark is joined by defending champion Keith Egan and County Sligo Golf Club Men's Captain, Robbie Fitzpatrick for a look back on the incredible events of 12 months ago, the Centenary Champions Dinner where Egan and 25 other past winners came together to celebrate the Championship's historic landmark, and for a look ahead to what's in store as a top-class field gets set to tackle the prestigious Harry Colt Championship Course that's undergone significant transformation over the winter months.
It finally happened. After eleven years of waiting and fourteen years of trauma at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy achieved golfing immortality in the most Rory McIlroy way possible.
On this week's podcast edition, the lads hold back the tears for differing reasons as they discuss Rory McIlroy's Grand Slam Sunday after he edged out Justin Rose in a playoff to win the 89th Masters and finally slip into a green jacket. What is next for McIlroy? Four in a row? Ten majors? There will never be another story like it.
On this week's podcast edition, the lads discuss the last sightings of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler before the Masters next week as Min Woo Lee clinched his maiden PGA Tour title at the Texas Children's Houston Open.
McIlroy and Scheffler showed their Masters mojo in Texas, with the world number one sending a warning sign to his fellow green jacket contenders at just the right time. Is Rory playing mind games in the media or is this elbow niggle something to be concerned about? Plus, slow play was an issue again on the PGA Tour.
On this week's edition of the podcast we discuss a dramatic end to last week's Valspar Championship as Viktor Hovland returned to form and the winner's circle as he came from behind to snatch victory from a nervy Justin Thomas. It was also another good yet frustrating week for Shane Lowry who finished 8th to climb to a career high 12th in the world rankings.
Rory McIlroy gets the last leg of his Masters preparation underway in Texas while there is lots on the agenda at the Houston Children's Open for Seamus Power and Pádraig Harrington, plus all the usual round up from around the tours and TGL finals.
On this week's edition of the podcast the lads sit down and try not to get too carried away over Rory McIlroy's pre-Masters form.
McIlroy beat JJ Spaun in a playoff on Monday to win his second Players Championship title, meaning he is in red hot form heading to Augusta while Shane Lowry is also ticking along nicely after an encouraging Florida swing. There were plenty of Irish in action across the globe as the girls continue to shine on the Ladies European Tour and Tom McKibbin I back in DP World Tour action in Singapore.
On this week's podcast edition, Peter and Ronan have differing views on the climax to the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday.
Shane Lowry reached a career high world ranking of 14 with a seventh place finish but when is that big win going to come again after 18 months of remarkable consistency? Lowry and Rory McIlroy tinkered with equipment at Bay Hill and with Augusta looming is there any need for McIlroy to change anything?
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan will address the media on Tuesday ahead of the Players Championship, can we expect any major updates over golf's future or will he kick the can down the road again?
On this week's edition of the podcast, the lads are back in studio trying to bring some life to what was a dull week of golf. Ronan dishes out a rather sour apology to Ludvig Äberg and Irish Golfer had exclusive access to season 3 of Netflix's "Full Swing' ahead of Tuesday's release date.
There was good news from an Irish perspective with Ronan Mullarney claiming 2nd on the Alps Tour as Hugh Foley claimed a first top-10 on his professional debut while John Murphy broke a torrid run of missed cuts in Egypt as he hopefully begins his ascent back up the golfing pyramid.
On this week's edition of the podcast we discuss Thomas Detry's breakthrough win on the PGA Tour, LIV's legitimacy victory and how Donald Trump can make golf great again as our Irish ladies continue to boom around the globe. Peter and Ronan discuss the big breaking news over the weekend that Slievenamon Golf Club is to close down, and we have more dad jokes and some of Pete's caddie tales from years gone by.
On this week's podcast, we celebrate the first Irish victory of the season as Rory McIlroy skillfully held off Shane Lowry for a remarkable Irish one-two at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Peter and Ronan delve into the implications of this triumph for McIlroy this season, discussing why the hype train may remain firmly on track this year. It's been a successful week for the Irish overall, with Leona Maguire achieving a top-10 finish in her opening event of the season. Meanwhile, the prospects appear limitless for Galway's Liam Nolan, who continues to dazzle in South Africa while pursuing a DP World Tour card.
On this week's edition of the podcast, a very despondent Peter gives his account of what he saw on the ground in Florida at the TGL and whether Tiger vs Rory can save the day on Monday night?
Liam Nolan gave Irish men's golf something to cheer about early in the year with an excellent performance on the HotelPlanner Tour while there's plenty of meat on the bone this week with Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Leona Maguire all in action Stateside.
On this week's edition of the podcast, Ronan and Mark talk through the Dubai Desert Classic, the performances of the Irish and a brilliant week for European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald as Tyrrell Hatton and Sepp Straka secured big wins on both tours. Also we have a chat with newly minted Ladies European Tour professional Canice Screene as the 23-year-old prepares to embark on her maiden season in the paid ranks. Canice, a London native, represented Ireland at amateur level and won the Irish Women's Close last year before earning some LET status at Q-School.
On this week's edition of the podcast the lads dive deeper into Tom McKibbin's proposed move to LIV Golf and whether his Holywood club mate Rory McIlroy can persuade him to stay with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. McIlroy made some strong comments on the situation during his pre-tournament press conference in Dubai where he revealed he offered McKibbin some advice around the potential switch to LIV Golf. And after a promising start last week the lads have been left very underwhelmed by the TGL after week two fell flat on its face. We also catch up with Chris Hollins ahead of the next series of Golf's Greatest Holes which will be back for season 3 from Royal Portrush in the coming weeks.
On the first podcast of the new year it's a full house as Peter, Ronan and Mark reflect on the inaugural staging of TGL in Florida. What worked, who shone and what needs to improve. Plus the lads react to the bombshell news that Tom McKibbin is set to sign a multi year deal with LIV Golf to join Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team.
And Mark dishes out the results of our 2024 predictions and after being humbled to the point of questioning the point of this podcast, the lads dust off the crystal ball for some not so accurate 2025 predictions.
On this week's edition of the podcast Peter and Ronan dust off the cobwebs to digest a crowning weekend for Irish Golf. Rory McIlroy unlocked his Seve level of legendary status with a sixth Race to Dubai win while Tom McKibbin will get to sample Donald Trump's American dream after he booked his spot on the PGA Tour. It's another big week for Séamus Power and Leona Maguire as they play their last events of the season and we discuss the Ryder Cup pay debate which could shake up the entire outlook of the contest going forward.
On this week's edition of the podcast we are joined by Stuart Grehan. Two weeks ago Stuart took the decision to retire from professional golf at the age of 31 and pursue a new career path as a financial consultant with DFP.
On the pod he explains to Peter and Ronan how he came to the decision to move on from professional golf, the highs and lows of life on tour, the financial difficulties of playing on the smaller tours, reclaiming his amateur status and his goals of playing for Ireland again and qualifying for the Great Britain and Ireland team for the 2026 Walker Cup in Lahinch.
On this episode of The Irish Golfer Podcast, Peter sits down with PGA Professional Tim Rice after he claimed the season long Elavon Order of Merit. Tim reflects on a great season and shares his goals and dreams that he still wants to achieve in his constant strive for perfection with the game of golf.
On this week's edition of the podcast, we sit down to discuss to Golf Ireland's announcement of the iGolf scheme. Is it good, is it bad? What does this mean for golf clubs? Who will it benefit? The big power hitters from golf's merger deal were all on site at the Alfred Dunhill Links, how will this never-ending negotiation deal play out? It was also a good week for Seamus Power as he looks to tee up his PGA Tour season early plus we said goodbye to Stuart Grehan who called time on his professional golf career as he moves into the next phase of his life, with a 2026 Walker Cup appearance on his agenda.
We’re back! (Again) On this week’s edition of the podcast we discuss an electric President’s Cup that still came to its inevitable conclusion. Are the USA in good shape for next year’s Ryder Cup? We also discuss Tom McKibbin's progress with just 6 events to go on his DP World Tour season plus all the drama from the Irish at Stage 1 of DP World Tour Q-School.
On this weeks edition Peter & Ronan sit down in the Media Centre in RCD to discuss all from the Irish Open. One of the toughest tests in world golf awaits as the weather threatens to wreak havoc in Co. Down.
On this week's edition of the podcast we reflect on the AIG Women's Open and the carnage that was served up at St Andrews including the good and the bad of women's golf and what needs to happen to keep it progressing. The KPMG Women's Irish Open takes centre stage in Carton House on Thursday and could Keegan Bradley really become the first playing captain at the Ryder Cup since 1963?
On this week's edition of the Irish Golfer Podcast, we delve into Thomas Abom's sensational Irish Close victory as he made history for Edmondstown. The FedEx Cup playoffs vs LIV Golf, what are you going to watch? Seamus Power can take the positives as his season ended a couple of weeks early and the final golfing major of the year takes place at the AIG Women's Open.
This week’s podcast comes from the Irish Challenge at the K Club where newly crowned Challenge Tour winner Conor Purcell joining the lads after clinching his maiden win at last week’s NI Open.
Coming to you live from Royal Troon, Peter and Ronan dissect what has been a brilliant two days for Shane Lowry who leads the Open Championship heading into the weekend. On the other end of the scale it's been a disastrous Open for Rory McIlroy and some extremely difficult conditions has made some big names look rather silly.
On this special edition of the podcast, Maynooth's Paddy Harrington Golf Scholarship director Barry Fennelly dropped into studio to preview this week's Arnold Palmer Cup in Lahinch. Fennelly is the International Head Coach as they take on the USA and he talks about what it means, the Irish interest and what the competition means to him.
On this week's edition of the podcast we discuss the continuing rise of 21-year-old Holywood sensation Tom McKibbin who qualified for the Open Championship in Royal Troon and cracked the top-100 in the world for the first time. A terrific Women's Amateur Championship was played at Portmarnock Golf Club with many of the Irish amateurs hoping that they can emulate what Lauren Walsh has done in recent weeks as she finished third at the Swiss Open, narrowly missing out on a maiden LET win.
On this week's edition of the podcast we discuss a disappointing showing from the Irish at the Amateur Championship in Ballyliffin and the prospect of an Irish win in Portmarnock at the Women's Amateur Championship this week.
Tom McKibbin's fine run of form continued with a top-6 finish at the KLM Open while there was drama in more ways than one at the Travelers Championship but it didn't stop Scottie Scheffler from rolling to another victory + Padraig Harrington's eighth Champions Tour victory
On this edition of the podcast, Sara Byrne dropped by to chat to Ronan about the Women's Amateur Championship this week a glorious final year in Miami and how she plans to bow out of amateur golf with a golden summer before entering the professional ranks.
On this week's sombre edition of the podcast, there's only one place to start after what happened on Sunday night. Why did McIlroy lose the US Open and where does he go from here? Box office Bryson is the real deal on the course and in the galleries. Anna Foster is the Irish women's champion as a glorious month of amateur golf in Ireland begins in Woodbrook and Ballyliffin.
We're back!
World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Padraig Harrington takes centre stage this week as the lads discuss his impact on Irish golf, the general esteem in which he's held and whether or not he's the greatest sportsman the country has ever produced.
We also break down another Scottie Scheffler victory, a calamitous collapse on the DP World/LET Tour, Gary Hurley's resurgence, the state of negotiations between the PGA Tour and the PIF and there are unanimous choices for hero and villain of the week.
On today's mini edition of the podcast, former Irish Close champion Quentin Carew of Castleknock Golf Club joins Ronan from the hotel lobby of the Radisson in Sligo ahead of the Flogas Irish Men's Amateur Open Championship. Carew brushed off some rust at the Munster Strokeplay and although he prefers parkland he is starting to love links golf and he hopes he can put it all together this week.
Joining Ronan on this weeks mini podcast is Roscommon golfer Allan Hill who previews the Flogas Men’s Irish Amateur Open and talks about his maiden senior win in France and how he manages a persistent wrist injury.
On this week's 'lighthearted' edition of the podcast we revel in Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry's Zurich Classic win and discuss how an event that didn't seem too serious was actually a huge win for Shane and his future on the PGA Tour. It was another good week for the other Irish on tour while a new iGolf scheme is set to take Irish golf by storm
On a special edition of the podcast. Ronan sits down with Rob Brazill who has turned professional for this week's Sunshine Tour Qualifying School as he chases his dreams. The Naas man feels like he has been given a second chance at golf and will be taking nothing for granted.
This week on the eve of the 2024 Masters Peter dials in from the Press centre at Augusta National and we are also joined by special guest Gary Murphy, a former European Tour pro and Augusta State University student to discuss all things Masters. Is this to be Rory McIlroy's year? Does Shane Lowry have all the tools to be Ireland's first Green Jacket winner? Is the weather going to wreak havoc on day one? Could we see a debutant top the leaderboard for the first time since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979. Is Jon Rahm the most under-the-radar defending champion in years? And who do we have our money on as the 'tradition unlike any other' gets underway?
In a special edition of the podcast, we chat to Stuart Grehan on the continuous battle to play professional golf. Grehan’s playing career is on a year by year basis but a couple of pre season wins in Spain have him full of confidence.
On this week's edition of the podcast we reflect on a terrific Connolly Motors West of Ireland Championship at County Sligo Golf Club and we are also joined by Keith Egan who took a break from replying to hundreds of messages to talk through his maiden championship win.
In a special short edition of the podcast, Mark McGowan catches up with Matthew McClean live from Co Sligo Golf Club on the eve of the West of Ireland Championship where the Malone man previews the week and looks back on a dream year last year that saw him play in the Masters, US Open and Walker Cup.
On this week's podcast we discuss Padraig Harrington's victory on the Champions Tour circuit, Seamus Power's disappointing finish at the Valspar Championship, the feel good factor of Peter Malnati's victory, and how Leona Maguire's year is shaping up with the women's first major fast approaching.
Plus, we hear from leading amateur Hugh Foley ahead of this week's West of Ireland Championship at County Sligo Golf Club, and the boys discuss what makes the first of the Amateur Championships such a special occasion.
On this week's podcast, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill takes top billing as we recap another excellent week for Shane Lowry, what Scottie Scheffler's rekindled putting touch could mean for the rest of the field, Seamus Power's steady progression, and just exactly what's gone wrong for Rory McIlroy.
We also delve into another fine performance from Tom McKibbin on the DP World Tour, the renaissance of Italian sensation Matteo Manassero, an underwhelming LIV event in Hong Kong, how Stephanie Meadow brushed off the cobwebs to top-10 on the LPGA in China, and detail the continued Irish success on amateur circuits all over the world.
On this week's podcast, we discuss Shane Lowry's near miss at the Cognizant Classic, Rory McIlroy's continued frustrations on the greens, Tom McKibbin continuing to rack up high finishes on the DP World Tour, another strong leaderboard on LIV, the failed Anthony Kim experiment and why golf desperately needs to cut ties with DJ Khaled. Plus, we talk to PGA Playoffs winner Simon Thornton and discuss the misfire in scheduling as he has to weigh a PGA Cup appearance versus an Irish Open tee time at Royal County Down.
On this week's edition of the podcast we discuss one of the more underwhelming weeks in the golfing calendar. Despite the heartwarming storylines the non signature events on the PGA Tour have produced, are they doing anything for golf fans? Anthony Kim is set to make his long-awaited and seemingly impossible return to golf and Joe Lyons adds his name to the list of golfing fiascos with Ryanair!
This week we discuss the predictable mayhem of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Nick Taylor doing the lord's work and keeping Charley Hoffman out of the Masters field, and disappointing weekends for Shane Lowry and Séamus Power.
We also discuss how LIV's broadcasts (and leaderboards) continue to win over new admirers, G-Mac's resurgence, that horrendous shank from Jon Rahm that made us all feel a little better about ourselves, and how Tom McKibbin continues to impress with his steady performances on the DP World Tour.
All this, plus a round up of the Irish in action, including Lauren Walsh's maiden outing as an LET Tour member alongside Olivia Mehaffey and Conor Purcell's frustrations after an excellent start in Cape Town.
As always we hope you enjoy the listen and if you do please hit the subscribe button and leave a comment.
On this weeks edition we recap both of the 54 hole, no cut, closed field events one of had OWGR points and one didn't. Wyndham Clark and Joaquin Niemann won on their respective tours with Clark moving from 10th to 6th in the OWGR and Niemann drops from 66th to 74th!
We also go deep on the new PGA Tour deal of investment of up to $3 billion from Strategic Sports Group (SSG), a consortium of American sports teams owners led by Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the almost 200 Tour members would collectively be able to receive over $1.5 billion in equity
As always we hope you enjoy the listen and if you do please hit the subscribe button and leave a comment.
On this week's edition of the podcast, we discuss the news hot off the press that Tyrrell Hatton, Adrian Meronk and Lucas Herbert have completed moves to LIV ahead of Friday's opening event. Rory McIlroy has dramatically changed his tune and wants LIV rebels to compete on the PGA Tour and just how much of a concern is no Irish playing on the DP World Tour this week?
As always if you enjoy the show subscribe!
On this week's edition of the Irish Golfer Podcast we delve into Rory McIlroy's fourth Dubai Desert Classic win and what it could mean going forward into the major championship season. We wax lyrical over Nick Dunlap's historic win as an amateur at The American Express and to finish, we give our thoughts on the recent storm created by Hailey Davidson and golf's issue with transgenderism.
We're back for 2024 and in our usual 3-ball and we dive straight into the latest instalment of Fleetwood Mac as Tommy stole in at the final furlong to pip Rory in Dubai. Are these repetitive mistakes something to be concerned about for Rory? Or is it only January? We also take a look at some Irish golf predictions for the upcoming year.
Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe and get notified every Monday when a new episode lands.
On this weeks edition we are joined by 2023 PGA in Ireland Order of Merit champion David Higgins. Every competitor fears the day that they wake up and the hunger is gone, and when that day comes, the Waterville man intends to walk away.
But that day is a long way away and, as the three-time Irish PGA Champion gazes at a Trophy he first marvelled at 40 years previous, he knows that that fuel is still burning as intensely as ever. “I still get up every day and I go and hit balls. I love it. I always said as soon as that goes, I’m finished. I won’t do it anymore. It’s either 100 percent or nothing.”
On this week's edition of the podcast we discuss Tiger's comeback at the Hero World Challenge, Scottie Scheffler's hot putter and how that could shape up in 2024. The Irish get a round in with Cameron Smith in Australia and we try to add to Rory McIlroy and Pádraig Harrington's takes on rolling back the golf ball.
On this week's podcast we discuss Tiger's return to competitive action at the Hero World Challenge, the Irish down under rounding off their 2023, the big transfer story of the year as Graeme McDowell joins Brooks Koepka at Smash GC. We hear from Maynooth University student Ryan Griffin ahead of the LIV Golf qualifier next week and news of Luke Donald securing a second Ryder Cup captaincy breaks during the recording!
In a week of impressive wins for Ludvig Åberg and Nicolai Højgaard we look at their wins and also reflect on the lack of progression of the Irish to the Tour following the disappointment of Q-School.
In this edition of the podcast we sit down with new touring professional Mark Power who has impressed in his first few weeks as a pro with eye catching performances at the Horizon Irish Open and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. He is looking to make weeks like that a regular occurrence by earning his DP World Tour card at Q-School Final Stage this week.
On this week's edition of the Irish Golfer Podcast we revel in Sara Byrne's record-breaking victory in the United States as she made it back-to-back collegiate titles while Conor Purcell looks to earn promotion to the DP World Tour at the Challenge Tour Grand Final in Mallorca. Eleven Irish hopefuls are set for the four corners of Spain for the Second Stage of Q-School and we discuss Ryan Griffin heading to LIV's version of Q-School and the future for Graeme McDowell.
This week is all about Team Europe winning back the Ryder Cup in style. Ronan was in Rome all week and had a front seat view of the dramatic victory.
We hope you enjoy the listen and do leave a comment or review if you like the pod!
On this weeks edition we take a deep dive into all things Ryder Cup. With Ronan on site at Marco Simone we discuss everything from potential pairings, predictions and the build up to the matches teeing off early on Friday. We also have a brief recap on Europe retaining the Solheim Cup and chat about the positives and a few negatives around the epic battle.
On this week's edition of the podcast Rónán and Mark go back to back like all good teams do and dive into Ryan Fox's Wentworth win and cast an eye towards Leona Maguire and Team Europe as they hunt a historic Solheim Cup hat trick. We catch up with Ronan Mullarney fresh off his second Alps Tour win which secures him his Challenge Tour card.
On this weeks podcast Ronan and Mark sit and recap the Horizon Irish Open. We may not have had the home winner we all wanted but we were served up plenty of drama as The K Club showed its teeth.
On this week's edition of the podcast we come in with Luke Donald's Ryder Cup wildcard picks hot off the press with Shane Lowry given the captains nod for Rome. We reflect on a valiant Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup bid that just came up shy against the now four-in-a-row winning USA side at St Andrews. Dromoland waves goodbye to the KPMG Women's Irish Open after two sensational years of hosting. Leona Maguire impressed as did Olivia Mehaffey, Sarah Byrne and the rest of the Irish amateurs. It's Irish Open week with some big hitters heading for the K Club and a lot of Irish players in hot form.
On this week's edition of the podcast we wax lyrical about Viktor Hovland and delve into what works and what doesn't with the FedEx Cup, it's last chance saloon for Europe's Ryder Cup hopefuls as the clock ticks towards the deadline for Luke Donald's team and it's a huge week for Irish golf as we preview the KPMG Women's Irish Open and the Walker Cup.
On this week's edition of the podcast we talk to Alex Maguire on getting selected for the GB&I Walker Cup panel for next month's contest. We discuss Robert Moran's break through at the AIG Irish Close, plus the usual roundup including Rory's putting woes, Seamus Power's ever fading Ryder Cup hopes as well as the ISPS Handa as Galgorm & Castlerock. As always we hope you enjoy the listen and if you do leave us a review and share with your friends!
On this week's edition of the Irish Golfer Podcast we recap on David Higgins' hat trick at the 113th Irish PGA Championship, the Irish Boys win at the R&A Home Internationals, Lucas Glover's sweaty trousers and the Irish at the AIG Women's Open and FedEx Cup playoffs
On this week's edition of the podcast we caught up with South of Ireland winner Colm Campbell who came through a thrilling final in Lahinch on Sunday afternoon and we reflect on Padraig Harrington's playoff heartbreak in the Senior Open and the Challenge of Ireland at Headfort. We also dive into all the happenings over the last week in the golf world including Olivia Costello's bronze medal at the European Young Masters and Leona and Steph chasing Major success.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we recap The Open Championship where Brian Harman put the field to the sword at a sodden Royal Liverpool. Try as they might, nobody could reel-in the unflappable American as the likes of Rahm, Rory and Fleetwood fell away on Sunday. We go down the leaderboard, picking out all the talking points, from how the Irish fared to where the results leave our Ryder Cup hopefuls. We also recap the rest of the action from around the world and identify our heroes and villains from the final men’s major of the year. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we reflect on a landmark U.S. Women's Open as the best women golfers in the world strutted their stuff at the iconic Pebble Beach. Aine Donegan was the star of the show from an Irish perspective, the Lahinch amateur lapping up every minute as she delighted the Californian crowds for four rounds at Pebble. It wasn't to be for Leona Maguire despite the Cavan star's name looming large early in a week that ultimately belonged to one of the home contingent as Allisen Corpuz collected the title. We discuss what the event might mean for the women's game and round up the rest of the action elsewhere from a big week for Seamus Power at the John Deere Classic to a busy week on the domestic amateur scene. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we look back on a great week for Irish golf as Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow challenged at Baltusrol, and Pádraig Harrington defended on the Champions Tour. At the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, Maguire threatened to go wire-to-wire once again before coming unstuck on Sunday. The Cavan star will no doubt learn from the experience and so too will Meadow who couldn't wipe the smile from her face after securing a podium finish and the biggest cheque of her career. Pádraig Harrington has nothing left to prove and yet still he surprises after a back-nine 28 saw the Dubliner defend the DICK's Sporting Goods Open. We discuss the merits of a Harrington Ryder Cup call-up and also recap a heap of golf elsewhere, including a great week for Douglas on the Irish amateur scene. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by Leona Maguire fresh off her second LPGA Tour victory. After two runner-up finishes, it proved third time lucky at the Meijer Classic for Maguire who gears up for another Major opportunity at this week’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship high on confidence. And speaking of Majors, we also look back on the men U.S. Open as Holywood’s Rory McIlroy fell short of the Hollywood ending he craved by a single stroke. It was Wyndham Clark’s week at LACC and we discuss the highlights, and the lowlights of the penultimate men’s Major of the year. Elsewhere, we round-up the best of the action from at home and abroad, including an emotional victory for Eddie McCormack in Douglas. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the Irish Golfer Podcast we revel in another super success for Irish amateur golf as Laytown & Bettystown star Alex Maguire roared to victory at the Home of Golf as he strengthened his Walker Cup bid at the St Andrews Links Trophy. There was a feel good story at the end of a chaotic week for the world of golf as Nick Taylor ended 69 years of hurt for Canada at the RBC Canadian Open. And it's US Open week as the third major championship in the men's calendar is upon us. We have five Irish hopefuls rocking up to LA Country Club looking to make a Hollywood splash. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this bonus edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by the latest star name out of Holywood GC, Tom McKibbin, fresh off his first DP World Tour win at the Porsche European Open. The 20-year old has grown up with Rory McIlroy comparisons ringing in his ears but in Germany last week, McKibbin proved he's very much his own man, running out a two-shot victor as a host of tour title winners chased him in vain. McKibbin talks about the influence of experienced caddie Dave McNeilly on his game, how getting over the line didn't feel all that different to his amateur days, and what's next as he reevaluates his goals with the second half of the season still to play. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we react to the news that has rocked the world of sport, never mind golf, as the PGA and DP World Tours partner with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. On Tuesday, golf's existing tours performed the mother of all U-turns and signed a deal that unites the warring factions under a new for profit entity, and while some people celebrate, others are left scratching their heads. We try to make sense of this new direction for golf, highlight the winners and losers, and take on the impossible task of predicting what's next, as if anybody knows! As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we had another victory to celebrate as Liam Nolan claimed a famous win at the Brabazon Trophy. There was more Major action in America as Pádraig Harrington endured another near-miss at the hands of Steve Stricker at the U.S. Senior PGA. It was a similar story for Leona Maguire who settled for a share of third at the LPGA Match Play, a result that bodes well for a busy summer. And we look back at the Michael Block madness of the past two weeks, a story that highlighted the best and the worst in all of us. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
This week’s edition of the podcast was Major as we discuss all things Oak Hill and Woodbrook after a week of high-class action at home and abroad. There was no denying Brooks Koepka a deserved fifth Major title at the US PGA. We look at what Koepka’s victory means for him, LIV Golf, the Ryder Cup and the game at large. As ever, we have the Irish angle covered, plus arguably the story of the week as Mike Block melted hearts as he lived out his wildest dreams in Rochester.
Meanwhile, there was no such fairytale for the home contingent at Woodbrook where Lorna McCylmont captured the Flogas Women’s Amateur at Woodbrook despite a stout Beth Coulter challenge. There was ample joy for Roscommon’s Olivia Costello, however, as the teenage talent romped to the Girls prize. We also have heroes and villains, and we round-up all the action from elsewhere too, including a landmark week for Gary Murphy on the Legends Tour. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we look back on a wonderful week at The Island Golf Club where John Gough ran out a worthy winner of the 2023 Flogas Irish Men’s Amateur Open Championship. Our man on the ground Rónán Macnamara provides his insights from the week where Laytown & Bettystown's Alex Maguire led the home charge. Elsewhere, Brendan Lawlor captured the G4D Open title at Woburn and the Carton House man joins us after another history-making performance in the name of disability golf. There was more Irish success further afield as Ronan Mullarney claimed a maiden Alps Tour win at the Gosser Open. We reflect on a meaningful ‘W’ for the Galway pro and round-up all the tour news elsewhere, from victories for Day and DJ in America to the storylines taking shape ahead of this week’s US PGA Championship. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we catch up on all the news from the world of golf, from the latest designated event on the PGA Tour to Adrian Meronk putting his hand up for Ryder Cup selection in Italy. After a couple of weeks away from the mic there was much to ponder, not least an interesting few weeks for Rory McIlroy that have us scratching our heads as to what’s next for the four-time Major winner. We also look ahead to this week’s Flogas Men’s Irish Amateur Open at The Island where we were delighted to be joined by Managing Director at Flogas, John Rooney. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we recap the 87th Masters Tournament where Jon Rahm ran out a worthy winner. The Spaniard conjured the spirit of Seve on his hero’s birthday to claim the Green Jacket in a week that started with a four-putt for Rahmbo. From his march to the title, to Brooks Koepka’s challenge coming unstuck on Sunday, we have all the angles covered, from Mickelson and Reed showing up for LIV, to Koepka’s brush with the rules, TV coverage and much more. As ever, we get our green tinted glasses on to dissect the Irish showing. If Shane Lowry left dejected, who knows what Rory McIlroy must be feeling after a missed cut. We discuss McIlroy’s Augusta no-show, and his absence from this week’s RBC Heritage. And don’t worry, we have an extra West of Ireland preview pod coming later in the week, too. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we get our teeth into all things Masters related ahead of Thursday’s opening day. From Rory McIlroy’s latest grand slam attempt to Shane Lowry flying in under the radar, we have the Irish angle covered, as well as a bunch of other storylines, from Tiger’s hopes to LIV contenders, the weather forecast, the merchandise scrum and standout names in the betting. Elsewhere we look ahead to this week’s West of Ireland Championship which promises a festival of golf at Rosses Point. We also recap the Valero Texas Open where Pádraig Harrington’s top-10 finish bodes well for the season ahead. Brooks Koepka enjoyed his second win in six LIV starts in Orlando - what does this mean for Augusta? - while Leona Maguire failed to fire at the LA Open. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we recap a memorable WGC Dell Match Play and wonder why the PGA Tour has decided to rid it from the schedule in 2024. It wasn’t the final the world wanted as McIlroy and Scheffler bowed out in the semis but there was no denying a worthy champion in Sam Burns. We look at how the form-lines are now trending from Austin Country Club through to next week’s Masters, while also rounding up a heap of action from around the wonderful world of golf as Leona Maguire and Steph Meadow begin to ramp up their reps on the LPGA Tour. We also get into the ball rollback discussion, reacting to USGA Commissioner Mike Whan’s strong views over the weekend that highlighted the necessity of the proposed change. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's podcast there was really only one show in town as Scottie Scheffler was all class in completing a dominating victory at Sawgrass. We try to pick holes in the American's armour but it proves easier said than done with the defending Masters champion in ominous form less than a month out from Augusta. We go down the leaderboard to find the other standout moments from the week at PGA Tour HQ where Shane Lowry was resolute and Rory McIlroy showed signs of fatigue. We round up all the news from elsewhere too with a strong performance from Tom McKibbin in Kenya and a big week for Maynooth at the R&A Student Series - Spain. We also round out the show reflecting on a certain Pádraig Harrington's induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we look back at the Arnold Palmer Invitational where Kurt Kitayama bested an all-star leaderboard at Bay Hill. The latest designated event delivered a Sunday leaderboard that kept everyone guessing, with Rory McIlroy amongst those who came close to slipping into the famous red cardigan. We assess where McIlroy’s game is at, and also discuss his role within the PGA Tour where more change is afoot ahead of the 2024 season. We react to the proposed no-cut, limited field tournaments in the pipeline, why they’re making the changes, and where it leaves the DP World. We also round-up the latest amateur and tour news, including Leona Maguire’s week in Singapore. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think
On this week’s edition of the podcast we get to grips with the new-look golfing ecosystem for 2023 as the men’s tours stretched across the world. From Shane Lowry’s impressive showing at the Honda, to Marcel Siem’s resurgence in India and a Charles Howell III procession in Mexico, there was no shortage of story lines to shine a light on. Meanwhile, in calmer waters, the LPGA visited Thailand where Leona Maguire put in another superb showing. We predict big things for the Cavan star in 2023 who turns her attention to Singapore this week. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we look back at the loudest event in golf that saw Scottie Scheffler return to the summit of the world golf charts. The man he usurped, Rory McIlroy didn’t have his best stuff in the desert but it was another big week for Seamus Power who edged closer to $10m in career-earnings on the PGA Tour. Irish eyes were smiling elsewhere too as Tom McKibbin and Conor Purcell shone in Singapore and South Africa respectively. We have our man on the ground back from Oman to recap the latest International Series event featuring Graeme McDowell, while we also let you know what to expect from the Netflix ‘Full Swing’ docuseries having enjoyed an early access look at a show that’s got the golf world talking. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we dive into the murky waters of golf’s splintered tours as the ongoing hearing between the DP World Tour and LIV Golf spells big changes for the men’s professional game. We also take a look at the official world golf ranking system, highlighting a lopsided distribution of points across the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and the Asian Tour that simply can't continue. Thankfully there’s plenty of golf talk too with Justin Rose putting his hand up for Ryder Cup selection in Pebble Beach, a wild finish on the DP World Tour for Dan Gavins and also the end of an era for Shane Lowry and his caddie Brian ‘Bo’ Martin ahead of this week's $20m WM Phoenix Open. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast there was only one show in town as Rory McIlroy out-duelled Patrick Reed in the desert. From Tee-Gate to Tree-Gate, Reed’s name wasn’t far from controversy all week but it was the man who sidestepped his advances on Tuesday that proved elusive once more as McIlroy captured the Dubai Desert Classic crown. We have all the talking points from a wild week in golf and look ahead to another busy week on the calendar as the Challenge Tour and MENA Tour return for Ireland’s next tier of tour stars. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we recap the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship where Pádraig Harrington led a stellar Irish challenge that ultimately fell just short in the desert. The Dubliner is eyeing a history-making victory on the DP World Tour and few would bet against him after last week’s showing. It wasn’t to be either for Shane Lowry despite a brilliant ball-striking display from tee to green. We asses Lowry’s week that came unstuck at the finish and what Séamus Power can take from his fortnight in the UAE as he returned to Vegas as focus shifts to the PGA Tour. That’s where Jon Rahm continues to dominate after cashing in at the AmEx. We look at Rahmbo's reign and also recap Leona Maguire's return to action at the LPGA’s Tournament of Champions. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we discuss Golf Ireland’s changes to its Championship Qualification criteria and also reflect on Europe’s victory over GB&I at the Hero Cup, and the implications, if any, it will have for the Ryder Cup in September. It wasn’t the week Séamus Power and Shane Lowry were hoping for but strong performances from the likes of Italian duo Francesco Molinari and Guido Migliozzi certainly give European Captain Luke Donald food for thought. Also in Abu Dhabi, Brendan Lawlor dials in to discuss his first podium finish of the new G4D year, while elsewhere it was victory for Si Woo Kim at a sub-par Sony Open and the Netflix ‘Full Swing’ trailer officially dropped ahead of the documentary’s February release. We’ll have all the latest there and as ever, if you like what you hear, don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we look back at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii, and a Sunday meltdown Collin Morikawa won’t be forgetting any time soon. Kapalua produced a worthy champion in Jon Rahm who took aim at the official world golf rankings where he sits unmoved in fifth spot despite winning three of his last five starts. 2022 was an unprecedented year for Irish golf and Galway’s Liam Nolan ensured 2023 got off to a flier too with victory at the South American Amateur. We reflect on his significant win in a Walker Cup year and look ahead to this week’s Hero Cup. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by 2022 Irish PGA Region Order of Merit winner Richard Kilpatrick. The Banbridge pro explains how finding the right balance off the course produced what he describes as his best ever season on it. Kilpatrick’s money-list victory now opens doors to the PGA Play-Offs, which in turn provide DP World Tour playing opportunities should he perform at Aphrodite Hills. Kilpatrick predicts how his game will hold up should such opportunities present themselves, and he also discusses the likes of Gary Hurley and Tom McKibbin’s promotion to the Main Tour, and shares a great story about Shane Lowry’s short game genius. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by Leona Maguire to reflect on a breakthrough season for the Cavan star. Maguire’s maiden LPGA victory last February feels like a long time ago now but it wasn’t just a first ‘W’ that satisfied the now world number 11 who also points to Major improvement at golf’s biggest events as a big reason for optimism ahead of 2023. The Solheim Cup hero also gave her assessment of a new date for the Women’s Irish Open, while looking ahead to the new season which will kick off for Maguire at the Tournament of Champions in January. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by one of Ireland’s latest DP World Tour stars, John Murphy. Back home in Kinsale after a whirlwind year, Murphy reflects on a season of firsts, from teeing up on the PGA Tour to earning his European Tour card and his initial impressions of life on the main tour. Murphy details the nerves he felt during that life-changing week at Q-School and also looks back on brilliant experiences at the JP McManus Pro-Am, the Irish Challenge, and even not so brilliant experiences, like doing his best Pierce Purcell impression more recently in Mauritius. He even chats chance encounters with George W Bush and Macklemore. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think
On this week’s edition of the podcast we look back on the talking points from a busy week of global golf, from Viktor Hovland’s successful Hero defence to a home favourite filling his boots in South Africa, and an Adrian Meronk mauling Down Under. Tournament host Tiger Woods served up plenty of talking points from behind his Bahamas microphone, while Conor Purcell enjoyed a career-best week in Australia. There were also strong showings by ace in the hole, Tom McKibbin, and Gary Hurley in South Africa, and we also discuss Golf Ireland’s new tournament schedule for 2023. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we enter golf’s silly season where we sit down and chat about the trending topics in golf. As Ireland’s tour pros continue to punch well above their weight, we look back on a magical month of golf, shining the spotlight on Séamus Power, Tom McKibbin, Leona Maguire, Gary Hurley and many more. Tiger Month stumbled to a disappointing start with news of 15-time Major winner Woods’ withdrawal from the Hero World Challenge. We ask the hard question, is it the end of the road for the wounded Woods?, and also touch on subjects ranging from a new Irish Open date, to WHS worries, a relentless schedule, G4D shortcomings and a faulty Official World Golf Ranking system. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
During Covid a state of the art short game facility opened up in Cavan at The PGA National Slieve Russell.
The academy is called the Raflewski Golf academy after the world renowned short game coach Gareth Raflewski who has joined forces with PGA professional Gordon Smyth. With the season closing out we made our way up to Cavan to check it out and chat to the two coaches behind it.
As we bask in Seamus Power’s second PGA Tour title in 15 months we also take a look at the new date for the Horizon Irish Open, review the end of the first LIV Golf season, preview the lads looking to progress at DP World Tour School and Alps Tour Q-School. Tom Mckibbin and John Murphy are vying for DP World Tour promotion at the Challenge Tour Grand Final while we also discuss a glaring omission from Golf Ireland’s High Performance panel. And of course Rory is top of the world again.
As the first major domino has fallen in golf's ecosystem we are joined by Dan Godding the CEO of the PGA EuroPro Tour. As the final day of the Tour was playing out Dan joined us to discuss why the EuroPro Tour has ended after 20 years and the tough situation professional golf finds itself in post pandemic. As always we hope you enjoy the listen.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by Jonathan Yates, fresh off his maiden professional win on the Alps Tour. The Naas star has secured some Challenge Tour status for 2023 with more opportunity to come this year at Stage Two Q-School. It was double joy for Ireland as Gary Hurley claimed one of five cards to Europe’s secondary tour via the season-long Order of Merit. We recap a brilliant season for Gary and round-up the rest of the news from an action-packed week in the wonderful world of golf. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we had a lot to get through, from recapping the triumphant return of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open to reacting to news of the PGA EuroPro Tour’s demise. Leona Maguire’s weekend heroics ensured massive crowds descended on Dromoland Castle and while the Cavan star’s performance will no doubt inspire a new generation, the next generation of male golfers were hit with news that their platform on the EuroPro Tour had been pulled from under their feet. We chat the impact of both stories and look ahead to this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links where Pádraig Harrington, Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy are all in action. We also look back at a surprisingly enjoyable Presidents Cup, an event that added to an encouraging week all round for Team Europe’s Rome Ryder Cup bid. We hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast there was only one place to start as Matthew McClean came out on top of an All-Ireland Final against Hugh Foley at the prestigious U.S. Mid-Amateur. Major dates at the US Open and the Masters now await the Malone man in 2023 after he ended a run of near-misses in fine style against his Irish international teammate. There was also plenty to cover on the pro scene, from Robert MacIntyre’s Italian job to Danny Willett’s horror three-putt to where a Cam Smith win in Chicago stands in golf’s pecking order. And last but by no means least, we also look ahead to this week’s KPMG Women’s Irish Open at Dromoland Castle where home hero Leona Maguire is the pre-tournament favourite. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we had three global wins to celebrate as this little island of ours continued to punch well above its weight on golf’s world stage. Shane Lowry’s victory at the DP World Tour’s flagship event at Wentworth will live long in the memory as he got the better of Rory McIlroy down the stretch to claim another mega win. Not to be outdone and clearly inspired, Lowry’s great friend Pádraig Harrington picked up his hat-trick of PGA Champions Tour wins on Sunday night while a weekend of unprecedented celebrations began with Stuart Grehan claiming a maiden EuroPro win after a seven-hole epic playoff battle against Ballymena’s Dermot McElroy. There was plenty to recap at home too, including a magnificent course-record win for Liam Grehan at Millicent and the latest from the AIG Cups and Shields. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we recap a jam-packed week of golf from the worlds of competition with consequence to the latest LIV Golf event in Boston. We go deep on what was a social media storm for the pro and anti-LIV brigade over the weekend and look ahead to how the so-called Saudi defectors will be greeted back on the DP World Tour at this week's Flagship event at Wentworth. We also discuss another top-10 for Leona Maguire as she shows form ahead of the eagerly-anticipated Women's Irish Open. There was a big week for Tom McKibbin on the Challenge Tour, pennants won and hearts broken at the AIG Cups and Shields at Tramore, and an emotional victory for Oliver Wilson in HimmerLand. We hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we recap the FedEx Cup finale where Rory McIlroy completed his hat-trick of PGA Tour Championship titles. The PGA Tour spokesman let his clubs do the talking at East Lake, at least prior to his winning press conference where he released both barrels on LIV Golf. With Cam Smith amongst the latest recruits to the Saudi-backed series, we also discuss the state of the golf nation, the direction the game is headed and where it leaves the DP World Tour. We also have Ryder Cup news, and more on Leona Maguire’s commitment to the KPMG Women’s Irish Open. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
We catch up with KPMG brand ambassador Leona Maguire as she confirmed her participation in this years KPMG Women's Irish Open taking place on 22nd-25th of September at Dromoland Castle. Visit www.kpmgwomensirishopen.ie for tickets and information.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we were delighted to catch up with the winner of the 112th Irish PGA Championship and now three-time Irish PGA Champion, Damien McGrane. The former European Tour winner turned Head Pro at Carlow showed plenty of retained ability to put the field to the sword at Carne Golf Links. Not only does McGrane reflect on the week that was, but he also looks back on his own playing career and explains how the playing side of golf has taken a back seat of late as he looks to give back to the game. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we recap a glut of golf at home and abroad, from another successful World Invitational renewal to Will Zalatoris’ maiden PGA Tour win. Barriers were once again broken down at Galgorm Castle and Massereene where Ewen Ferguson and Maja Stark collected the men’s and women’s prizes while Zalatoris came through an unforgettable playoff battle to capture an important win for the PGA Tour at the FedEx St Jude. We also discuss a hectic amateur schedule, reflect on an emotional near-miss for Annabel Wilson at the U.S. Women’s Amateur and look ahead to another frantic week on the fairways near and far. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by the K Club’s own Liam Grehan on the eve of his first appearance on the Challenge Tour. The Irish Challenge tees off on the K Club’s Palmer South course on Thursday where Grehan recorded a sizzling 66 to claim second place at the K Club PGA Pro-Am earlier this month. We have all the latest from the Straffan venue, including a chat with one of the form home players, Gary Hurley. We also recap an eventful weekend for Irish golf as the island secured another Major winner in Darren Clarke, while Royal Dublin’s Hugh Foley followed in the Northern Irishman’s footsteps with a North-South double on the amateur scene. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we recap a memorable week at The Open where Cam Smith stole the show from Rory McIlroy with a remarkable 64 to win his first Major title. We discuss a tale of two putters at St Andrews and what the result means for the main protagonists, with Smith rumoured to be LIV-bound and McIlroy major-less for another year despite an incredible season of near-misses. As ever, we cover the Irish angle from The Open and beyond, with another tour ‘W’ in the bag for the island courtesy of Ballymena’s Dermot McElroy on the EuroPro Tour, and a home win for Hugh Foley at the North of Ireland Championship. We hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On the eve of this week’s historic 150th Open, we dive deep into all things St Andrews, from the six-strong Irish contingent chasing the Claret Jug, to Tiger’s chances, our own idea of the winner and the Old Course itself. Much has been made about how St Andrews will cope with this new breed of golfer and although the wind isn’t forecast as strong as we’d like, there’s enough nuance to ensure a would-be champion will be well and truly tested come Sunday evening. We also run through the latest golf news from elsewhere, highlighted by Stuart Grehan outgunning a local favourite in Straffan to capture the K Club Pro-Am. As always, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast there was no shortage of talking points, from the future of the Irish Open to the JP McManus Pro-Am and the Open at St Andrews. Mount Juliet was an undoubted success but would a date change appeal to the game’s best players given how they lapped up all things Irish in Adare? JP’s Pro-Am set the world alight, not least because of Tiger Woods’ return to Ireland. We wonder if this year’s Open Championship might be his last? And we round-up all the action elsewhere too, including a first on the island – the inaugural Irish Open for Golfers with a Disability at Roganstown. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast there was only one place to start as Padraig Harrington collected a fourth Major title of his career at the U.S. Senior Open. Harrington held off a strong Steve Stricker challenge to win his first USGA title by a single stroke, making it two Irish wins on the weekend after a first pro win for West Waterford’s Gary Hurley on the Alps Tour. There was also a top-10 for Stephanie Meadow at the KPMG Women’s PGA where slow play and Lexi Thompson was the talk of the weekend despite In Gee Chun’s victory. We also chat a near miss for Ruaidhri McGee on the Alps Tour and look ahead to this week’s Irish Open at Mount Juliet. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we analyse the PGA Tour's response to the LIV Golf threat and wonder where men's golf goes from here. As prize money increases, the rich are about the get richer but at what cost to those at the base of golf's earning pyramid? Speaking of money, the KPMG Women's PGA Championship announced a significant prize bump, doubling its purse to $9m ahead of this week's action at Congressional. We discuss the chances of Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow as Major opportunity knocks once more. As ever, there was plenty of lively debate. We hope you enjoy the listen, subscribe, and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we recap a wild one for golf. A week that began with those defecting to the controversial LIV series and facing the wrath of the media, ended with Rory McIlroy delighting in eclipsing Greg Norman’s 20 PGA Tour career wins at the Canadian Open. There was also a monumental win for Sweden’s Linn Grant at the Scandinavian Mixed; the 22-year old beating Henrik Stenson into second place by a whopping 9 shots. But while golf showed up Sunday in all its glory, major questions remain due to the bottomless pockets of LIV. We don’t claim to have the answers, but we do our best to pick apart the madness and plot a way forward for the game we all love. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we were delighted to have Leona Maguire on the phone ahead of this week's $10m U.S. Women's Open at Pine Needles. Back in North Carolina, where she enjoyed a remarkable collegiate career at Duke University, Maguire is hoping a return to a happy hunting ground might trigger an upturn in fortunates following three missed cuts heading into this week's event. Maguire is joined by Stephanie Meadow who will also look to shine at women's golf's richest tournament having finished third at the tournament on her pro debut in 2014. Away from golf's main event this week, the JP McManus Pro-Am is shaping up to be a major in itself. We chat more big announcements with Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth among those set to tee up at Adare Manor. There's Ryder Cup news, no news from LIV Golf which is news in itself, and much, much more. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we recap an eventful US PGA Championship where Justin Thomas captured his second Wanamaker Trophy at Southern Hills. From JT’s playoff win over Will Zalatoris to agony for Mito Pereira, and another top-10 for Rory McIlroy, we dive deep on everything from Tulsa, including what a tied-ninth finish means for the ever-improving Seamus Power and Shane Lowry coming to the defence of a certain Olympic teammate. Elsewhere, we roundup all the Irish action from at home and abroad on the pro and amateur scene. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by Warrenpoint’s Colm Campbell fresh from his latest Flogas Irish Amateur victory at The Island on Sunday. The two-time champ explains how this past weekend’s win differed from his first Irish am title in 2016 and what he hopes to achieve off the back of the success. Away from home there was plenty to catch up on too with nearly weeks for Seamus Power and Niall Kearney on the PGA and DP World Tours while we ramp up our U.S. PGA Championship preview and discuss plenty of hot topics from the world of golf in between as the opening LIV Golf Invitational looms. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
The Irish Golfer podcast returns after a mid-season hiatus and we had plenty to catch up on from our studio on the road at Slieve Russell. The K Club heralded a new era for the Irish Open and Irish Challenge in the lead up to the Ryder Cup at Adare in 2027. We react to the news, discuss the classic links -v- parkland debate and ponder future dates for the tournament. Host Peter was away at Augusta for the Masters and he fills us in on his trip, from Tiger's heroics to what the performances of Rory, Shane and Seamus could mean for their respective seasons. We talk all the latest from Greg Norman's LIV Golf Invitational, round-up all the Irish tour news from at home and abroad and as ever, we pick out our heroes and villains of the piece. We hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we start with a brutal Bay Hill test where the best players in the world were made to look silly at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Rory McIlroy felt like the course was more Pirate's Cove than PGA Tour but was the four-time Major winner's 'crazy golf' assessment an accurate one? We dive into course setup, Scottie Scheffler shining brightest, a nearly week for GMac, a poor weekend for Rory and much more. Leona Maguire didn't have her best stuff but she finished tied 13th in Singapore where Jin Young Ko continued to raise the bar. We also have everything from Kenya and the Challenge Tour to the latest on Europe's Ryder Cup captain and how ongoing SGL speculation is harming Europe's decision making process. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast, we react to an explosive week off the fairway where Phil Mickelson’s Super League masterplan was exposed by none other than Mickelson himself. U.S. journalist Alan Shipnuck delivered Mickelson on the record like never before, with Phil talking openly about sports-washing, using the Saudis for leverage and the scary mtherf**ers he’s going into business with. Since then, the Saudi-backed SGL has taken some almighty hits with Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau joining the game’s best players pledging loyalty to the PGA Tour, while Rory McIlroy didn’t mince his words in condemnation of Mickelson, believing the breakaway league is now “dead in the water”. We have all that and lots more, with actual tournament coverage from the Genesis where Niemann was the man, a near-miss for a real talent in Tom McKibbin and plenty of Irish angles in between. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we might’ve been short of Irish weekend involvement across golf’s main tours but there was still much to talk about from a festival of golf in Phoenix. The TPC Scottsdale desert showpiece has built a reputation of no-holds-barred fun and the tournament lived up to its name, and then some, with Scottie Scheffler’s maiden PGA Tour victory just one of a number of talking points from a wild week in Arizona. We chat the people’s champ, Sahith Theegala, the shenanigans at the famous stadium hole par-3 16th, and discuss how a hot-headed Charley Hoffman outburst united the world of golf against him. We also reflect on great news for the Irish Open thanks to new title sponsor, Horizon Therapeutics. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by Leona Maguire fresh off her history-making maiden victory on the LPGA Tour. The Cavan star continues to blaze a trail for Irish golfers to follow and spoke to us from Florida to reflect on a title still very much sinking in since Saturday's three-shot triumph at the Drive On. Maguire opens up about what the victory means, highlights those who helped her achieve it and her hopes for the season ahead. There was plenty of golf to discuss elsewhere too, from a nearly week for Seamus Power at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to a certain event in Saudi where the rumour mill was abound about a potential Super League takeover. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we recap a thriller in Dubai, focussing our attention, rightly or wrongly, on the man who finished third, Rory McIlroy. We discuss THE shot, whether it was the right one to take on, and whether or not it will have a lasting impact on the four-time Major winner this season. There was plenty more to talk too, with Viktor Hovland claiming his third win in five events, Padraig Harrington purring to a top-10 finish, Irish Open chat following interviews with Rory and Seamus Power, the doom and gloom of those preparing their media spiels for Saudi, and much more. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
The Irish Golfer Podcast is back for 2022 with this week's first episode fresh off a Sunday that left us wondering what might've been on the PGA and DP World Tours. The Seamus Power/Shane Lowry double looked very much on when the country shut its eyes on Saturday night but Irish eyes weren't smiling after disastrous starts for the pair put paid to their chances on Sunday. It was still a week where the positives outweighed the negatives with Rory McIlroy also showing encouraging signs and Padraig Harrington making a solid start to his season. We also discuss the hot topics sweeping the golf world, putting our necks on the line with our Major predictions for 2022 and so much more. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
It’s been a whirlwind three years for the world’s best disability golfer, Brendan Lawlor. Since signing for Modest! Golf, the Louth man’s star has been on the rise. A three-time Tour winner this year where he shared the fairways with some of the biggest names in golf, Lawlor is eternally grateful for all that’s happened but opens up about a niggling frustration when it comes to financial reward. He also shares brilliant encounters with Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa and someone you might not expect. As ever, the 24-year old funny man and ferocious talent continues to dream big with talk of World Tours, Paralympics and an Irish Open firmly on the agenda. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we round up a superb weekend for the Irish on Tour where Leona Maguire signed off on a fine rookie season in style at the CME Group Tour Championship and Seamus Power moved up to a career high 70 in the world golf rankings and Brendan Lawlor wins again and re-claims world number 1 on the EDGA standings. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry were also in the mix at the Race to Dubai finale but in the end it was a case of Morikawa the merciless as Collin collected both the money-list title and the DP World crown. We discuss the merits of his lifetime membership, and also chat two social media highlights that almost broke the internet - McIlroy's shredded shirt and Tiger Woods' comeback video. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by Niall Kearney fresh off his best year in the professional ranks to date. Although the Royal Dublin man would've dearly loved to be competing this week in Dubai, his eventual finish of 133 on the Race to Dubai standings means improved status and more opportunity for Kearney on the European Tour next season. Niall opens up about what's been a tough slog to this point in his pro career, the importance of making this year a profitable one and his frustration knowing that with a the benefit of a couple more starts, he might just have locked down his full main tour card for 2022. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we round up another busy shift for the Irish around the tours with Stephanie Meadow's latest LPGA Tour survival act receiving top billing. The Jordanstown pro left it late to sneak back inside the top-100 on the Race to CME Globe on the number at 100, thus ensuring her full LPGA Tour card for next year. Where Meadow revelled in the finish, Leona Maguire was left to rue a closing 76 having bolted to the first round lead. It was also a case of what might've been for Padraig Harrington who narrowly missed out on this week's DP World Tour Championship. Remarkably, world number one Jon Rahm is among those opting out of the Dubai curtain closer. We discuss where that leaves the European Tour in the pecking order of the game's elite. There was also the small matter of Bernard Langer defying his age and the odds to claim another Champions Tour Order of Merit title. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
This week's podcast caught us by surprise, news that the European Tour is to become the renamed DP World Tour from 2022. A rebranding heralded as a new dawn for golf in Europe just two years after the last one, we weigh up the pros and cons of the deal which undoubtedly adds to the riches of those at golf's top table, but at what cost? There was also the announcement of the Irish Open returning to Mount Juliet for a second straight year. We look at how the event sits in the schedule and what we can expect from the field. There was also plenty of Irish action to run through from around the world so we hope you enjoy the listen. As ever, don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast there was only one thing to talk about, a Saudi-backed investment in the Asian Tour and what it means for the world of golf as we know it. LIV Golf Investments, the investing arm of the Saudi Arabian government, have announced Greg Norman as its Commissioner in a $200m 10-year commitment with 10 new Asian tour events set to hit the calendar in 2022. Exactly what implications will follow for golf's existing tours remains to be seen but with the heads of current PGA Tour members expected to be turned by eye-watering sums of money, there is a siege coming for golf's status quo so something's got to give. We lay out the facts and ask the question, is this good for golf? As always, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by Ireland's latest member of the Challenge Tour, Kinsale's John Murphy, fresh off a frantic but fruitful first introduction to professional golf. The 23-year old reflects on a whirlwind few weeks in the paid ranks, highlighted by his top-10 finish at the Dunhill and his plans for the off-season ahead of his first full season on Tour next year. We also had a lot of golf to round-up from a busy weekend, from Main Tour frustration for Niall Kearney, to a near-miss for Dermot McElroy and Q-School disappointment for Olivia Mehaffey. As always, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by the form amateur golfer in Ireland, Peter O’Keeffe. Fresh off completing an extremely rare Irish Amateur Close/Open double, the Douglas man talks about the significance of the win, the test that was Pat Ruddy’s European Club and his Walker Cup ambitions. There was also the small matter of PGA Tour win number 20 for Rory McIlroy to get through while we round-up a brilliant weekend of Irish action with Kinsale’s John Murphy once again to the fore after a brilliant podium finish on the Challenge Tour. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we review the only show in town, the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits where Team USA lived up to their billing to record a record breaking win over Europe in Wisconsin. We react to the 19-9 demolition at the hands of Steve Stricker's immensely talented team on a difficult week for Europe's Captain, Padraig Harrington. We look at where the contest was won and lost, and what the manner of America's win means for the Ryder Cup as a whole as we take a view towards Rome in two years time. As ever, we have the Irish angle covered too in what was a highly emotional week for both Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition we catch up with Paul McGinley to preview the Ryder Cup. Everything from pairings, wildcard picks and some behind the scenes secrets from the 2016 Ryder Cup captain
On this week's edition of the podcast we react to news of the confirmed twelve players set to represent Team Europe at the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits from September 24-26. We ask the question, 'did Padraig Harrington get his wildcard selections right?', look at the reasons behind Justin Rose's omission and discuss Europe's chances of retaining the Cup in Wisconsin. We also discuss Leona Maguire's homecoming and the hopes for a Women's Irish Open off the back of her Solheim Success. Talk The Open's return to Royal Portrush in 2025, a big week for John Murphy and take aim at our heroes and villains for the week. As always, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we scour our list of superlatives to sum up Leona Maguire, no longer just a star of Irish golf but now a superstar on the world stage. The rookie racked up 4.5 points out of a possible 5 in an historic debut performance, leading Team Europe to a second straight Solheim success and a second in three stagings on US soil. We look at the knock-on effects her performance is sure to have in inspiring the next generation of golfers at home and abroad while we also tear into the Tour Championship and the FedEx format, look at how the Italian Open impacted the Ryder Cup standings and round-up the Irish angle from another busy weekend of golf. As always, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast there was no place else to start than the showdown at Caves Valley between Patrick Cantlay and Bryson DeChambeau at the BMW. Bryson proved box-office once more but it was Cantlay who prevailed in a no love lost affair between the two American teammates. As ever, we've got the Irish angle sorted with Rory McIlroy marching onto East Lake while Shane Lowry flies home quietly confident of a Ryder Cup start. We dive deep into the make-up of both Team Europe and Team USA with just weeks to go to Whistling Straits while we also take a look at action from further afield with the Curtis Cup, a near-miss for Michael Hoey and double-joy for Tim Rice all on the agenda. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast there was only one place to start - Leona Maguire becoming the first Irish woman to be selected to represent Europe at the Solheim Cup. We catch up with the Slieve Russell star to get her reaction on making the team and look back on the AIG Women's Open where amateur Lauren Walsh put in an excellent performance in making the cut. We also tackle the Northern Trust where Tony Finau finally delivered. We look back at Seamus Power's playoff near-miss, chat Lowry's Ryder Cup hopes and examine the movers and shakers to try and get a handle on Captain Harrington's team. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we have a whole lot of golf to catch up on, from good finishes for Niall Kearney and Rory McIlroy, to David Higgins' Carne win, golf at the Olympics, an Irish Open cash injection and much, much more. Bryson DeChambeau continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons but has the Bryson bashing gone too far? We also take a look at how the Ryder Cup teams are shaping up ahead of next month's renewal, pick out our heroes and villains and look ahead to another bumper week of golf for the Irish on Tour. As always, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
Who would've thought on the Monday after The Open the top story on our agenda would be an Irishman winning the Barbasol Championship but that's exactly where we start this week's edition of the podcast courtesy of Seamus Power's maiden PGA Tour win. The pre-tournament favourite justified the tag, toppling all on his way to securing his PGA Tour card while pounding down the door to a Players start, a first Major and much more. We soak in a breakthrough win for Power and also look back on a superb Open renewal where Collin Morikawa didn't give an inch on his way to winning on debut at Royal St. George's. We also take a look at Shane Lowry's defence and what it means for his Ryder Cup prospects while we try to get our heads around a strange week for Rory McIlroy and wonder where he goes from here. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
It's Open week at Royal St. George's and on this week's edition of the podcast, we try to narrow down our idea of the winner at the last men's Major of the year. Shane Lowry finally gave back his Claret Jug after a two year reign but he'll be hoping it is back in his grasp in a few days time in Sandwich. Rory McIlroy says he's found something ahead of Thursday's start. Is it McIlroy's time to shine and end a seven-year wait for one of golf's Major titles? Jon Rahm will no doubt have something to say about the fate of the famous piece of silverware but are the favourite's odds a fair reflection of where this field is at? We delve deep into all these questions and more, and look ahead to another busy week on the fairways further afield, especially where Seamus Power narrows in on a PGA Tour card at the Barbasol. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we reflect on the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet and wonder, where do we go from here? Rory McIlroy echoed Shane Lowry's calls for a date change, but what slot in the calendar could make the Irish Open the attractive proposition we want it to be? We also discuss Team Ireland's Olympic medal hopes after Rory and Shane were pictured wearing Irish green. Across the Atlantic, it was another huge week for Seamus Power who's now eyeing an open date at Royal St. George's while we round-up the rest of the Irish action after another frantic week on the fairways. As ever, we hope you all enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we recap a fruitful week for Ireland's fairway fliers, from Leona Maguire's best Major finish at the KPMG Women's PGA to big pay-days for Niall Kearney and Seamus Power on both sides of the Atlantic. We also look ahead to this week's Dubai Duty Free Irish Open where 5,000 spectators a day will be given great access to a field that includes Major winners Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell. Far from a vintage renewal, we discuss the outlook for our National Open and what's in store at Mount Juliet, where we were also joined by Niall Kearney to look ahead to a big week in Kilkenny. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
On this week's edition of the podcast we have an Irish victory toast to Jonathan Caldwell who claimed his maiden European Tour title at the Scandinavian Mixed. From plying his trade on the EuroPro Tour in 2019 to entering the winner's enclosure at the top tier of European Tour golf two years later, we talk through an inspiring sporting story and look ahead to the doors this victory opens for the now 37-year old. We also recap weeks of what might've been for Leona Maguire and Seamus Power and round-up a busy week of golf at home and abroad as the season ramps up ahead of Thursday's starting US Open. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know you think.
On this week's edition we look back at the Irish Challenge at Portmarnock Links where, although no fans could see it, there were plenty of Irish eyes smiling as Dermot McElroy lifted the Christy O'Connor Jnr trophy as the top home player in Dublin. Interestingly, McElroy, along with the Ireland's other leading players on the week, Michael Hoey, Cameron Raymond and Tom McKibbin will not benefit from Team Ireland funding in 2021. We discuss the merits of that system and also round-up all the action from across the tours with Leona Maguire beaten by eventual champion Ally Ewing in the LPGA Match-Play while we also look ahead to Stephanie Meadow competing at this week's US Women's Open. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. If you do, don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
It had all the ingredients pre-tournament for a week to remember and Kiawah Island delivered on all counts, providing a Major experience - actually unlike any other - at least in recent years. From life starting at fifty for Phil Mickelson, to Brooks Koepka's gripes almost twenty years his junior, on this week's podcast we dissect a great week on the Ocean Course where two Irish stalwarts typically rose to the challenge to enjoy top-4 finishes in South Carolina. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. If you do, don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
The second men's Major of the year visits the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island this week for a wide open US PGA Championship. We take aim at the Irish angle with two live chances this week, not least a rejuvenated Rory McIlroy, returning to another happy hunting ground off the back of a win two weeks ago at Quail Hollow. The 2012 champ at Kiawah carries pre-tournament favouritism into the event where Shane Lowry will also look to build on his strong form on Pete Dye designed courses. We discuss their claims to the Rodman Wanamaker trophy, and also look at the other narratives doing the rounds this week in South Carolina, not least Jordan's Spieth's exciting Grand Slam bid. As ever, there's plenty of chat in between. We hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
It was the type of weekend Irish golf fans have been waiting for; a Rory McIlroy win, tri-colours in contention in Europe and the cream of the amateur crop rising to the challenge on arguably the biggest stage in the unpaid ranks. We dive deep into the Wells Fargo where McIlroy was a worthy winner and ask the question, is he a Major player once more? We also have the takeaways from Tenerife where Niall Kearney grabbed a career-best finish on the European Tour. We look back at a super weekend of amateur action at Seminole where John Murphy and Mark Power played leading roles for GB&I and there's plenty in between too, from Darren Clarke and Michael Hoey to a lengthy villains' list and a look ahead to a potential Irish Open with fans. As always, we hope you enjoy the listen. Let us know what you think, and if it's good, don't forget to subscribe.
Eyebrows were raised in many circles when Caolan Rafferty's name was overlooked for Walker Cup selection this year. Having already been capped in 2019 and after proving time and time again that he can play to the peak of his powers after a lengthy absence, the Dundalk man thought he'd done enough to earn a crack at the US side in Seminole in May. It wasn't to be for Rafferty, but for the now 28-year old, it's not the first time he's felt slightly overlooked when it comes to a selection process. A winner of the South and the West and ranked as high as 14 on the World Amateur Golf Charts, Rafferty's often been left to wonder whose fence he has to paint for opportunities to come his way. In this chat he shares his frustrations, but also his drive this season to prove to selectors that his omission was a mistake. We hope you enjoy the listen. As ever, don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
Ahead of golf reopening on Monday April 26th we are joined by Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly to discuss golf’s reopening, government negotiations & the future of golf in Ireland.
On this week's edition of the podcast we were delighted to be joined by Leona Maguire fresh off her career-best LPGA Tour finish at the LOTTE Championship. The Cavan professional hadn't even slept when we spoke to her, still flying high after tying second behind Lydia Ko on her first trip to Hawaii. Far from resting on her laurels, Leona returns to action at this week's LA Open determined to keep her foot to the floor as she closes in on her first LPGA Tour win. We also recap another top-10 for Shane Lowry after an encouraging week at Hilton Head. We chat European Tour and the impact of the pandemic, Seamus Power, and we also start to get excited as golf's return nears in the ROI. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. If you do, please subscribe. If you don't, let us know what you think!
On this week's edition of the podcast, we recap the 85th Masters tournament, chatting everything from Hideki Matsuyama's historic win for Japan to what might've been for Shane Lowry despite his best finish amongst the pines. We hear from the Open Champion who's set to be without caddie Bo Martin for the next few weeks due to Ireland's new mandatory hotel quarantine regulations and why he feels the Irish Open could be in doubt. We also take aim at the other stories of the week, from Schauffele's implosion, to Zalatoris' coming-of-age showing and a shady cameo from honorary starter, Gary Player. As always, we hope you enjoy the listen. Don't forget to subscribe and let us know what you think.
The azaleas are in bloom, the patrons are back, it's April, and it's Masters week! No surprise then that this edition of the podcast focuses on all things Augusta as we asses the chances of Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy ahead of the 85th edition of the Masters. We caught up with Shane prior to his opening tee-shot on Thursday and with Lowry cutting a confident figure behind the mic and we also got some insight from Rory McIlroy from his pre event press conference going into detail around what he and new coach Pete Cowen have been working on pre-tournament. We also take a look at the other contenders, of which there are many, and look back on the ANA, the Augusta National Women's Amateur and the resurrection of Jordan Spieth.
This week's edition of the podcast comes off the back of bitter news for golf in the ROI with the wait extended to April 26th before play will resume due to Covid-19. We react to the unexpected date, discuss the implications of the reopening for golf clubs and share what we hope to see come April 26. There was also lots to of actual golf to get through, from Match Play musings and GMac's resurrection at Corales to Ireland's Walker Cup call-ups and near-misses, Leona and Steph at the year's first Major, Mehaffey and McCarthy at the Augusta National Women's Amateur and an early look at the next week's Masters. We hope you enjoy the listen. As always, don't forget to subscribe and be sure to let us know what you think.
Wednesday, March 24th will mark one-year since golf was first suspended due to the virus known as Covid-19. Since then, golf has opened and closed between lockdowns with players around the country missing out on the best part of six months' golf. Both clubs, and members have suffered through this pandemic but both rely on the support of one another more than ever to come out the other side of a dreadful time for the industry. In that spirit, to help golfers everywhere better understand the current state of the industry and where we go from here, we thought it would be a good idea to invite some representatives from all corners of golf in a special edition of the podcast. We don't know when golf will be officially back, but we manage to answer many of the questions that have been circling social media in recent weeks.
Former GUI CEO, Pat Finn was the man in the hot seat when Covid-19 first hit Irish shores and he explains the challenges the Union faced when coming to terms with this unpredictable pandemic. The Managing Director of Carr Golf Services, Ed Pettit, whose team is charged with the running of 19 golf clubs around the country, discusses the various impacts Covid-19 has had on the industry as a whole. Director of Golf at Ardglass, Paul Vaughan gives us an insight into how the absence of an overseas travel market has hurt operations at the club while Lucan Golf Club General Manager, Mark Ruddy talks about how the domestic market has reacted across the year and the challenge clubs now face to convince members that their loyalty is needed now more than ever. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Let us know what you think.
In a special edition of the podcast, we caught up with Gavin Moynihan ahead of his long-awaited return to action at this week's Magical Kenya Open. After a torrid time of missed cuts last season, the 26-year old is hoping that a fresh start on the Challenge Tour in 2021 can spark his safe passage back to the Promised Land of the main European Tour. We touched on the highlights of Gavin's professional career to date, including his GolfSixes win alongside Paul Dunne and an agonising near-miss for a hole-in-one that would've seen him drive home in a €150,000 BMW from the French Open. He also reflects on the difficulties of darker days on Tour and a winter's work in Dubai that he hopes will stand him in good stead for a fast start to the new campaign. We hope you enjoy the listen. Let us know what you think.
The golf is coming thick and fast and there was no shortage of things to talk about on this week’s edition of the podcast. From another near-miss for Lee Westwood to joy for JT at The Players, we recap all the action from Sawgrass, including a big week for Shane Lowry in his mission to make this year’s Ryder Cup, and a nightmare one for Rory McIlroy. We also have the action from Qatar where Tour looper and proud Irishman, Darren Reynolds carried Frenchman Antoine Rozner to victory while we take aim at our heroes and villains from a wild week in golf. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. If you like what you hear, don’t forget to subscribe, we’d love to know what you think.
Bryson DeChambeau entertained us all this week as he attacked the famous par-five sixth hole at Bay Hill, driving over the water for a 370-yard tee-shot to set up victory the Arnold Palmer Invitational. It was box office TV that had us all on the edge of our seats. This week Peter chats to PGA Professional Mark O’Mahony for a bay hill recap covering everything from the elation of Bryson to the disappointment of Rory McIlroy who admitted he needs to find a spark and soon. As always, we hope you enjoy the listen.
A busy week to work through on this edition of the podcast as the men’s season gathered pace with Collin Morikawa a worthy winner of the first WGC of 2021. We recap all the action at The Concession and discuss what it means for Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. We also dissect Seamus Power’s solid week in Puerto Rico and take aim at the LPGA Tour where Leona Maguire produced a top-20 finish on her seasonal reappearance in a hopeful sign of things to come for the Cavan professional. As ever, we hope you enjoy the listen. Let us know what you think.
The hot topic in golf, on these shores at least, remains whether or not golf will be given the green light to resume in March. With England all systems go for a March 29th restart, we discuss the situation in Ireland and how we might go about getting back to playing sooner rather than later. In the meantime, live golf has helped many of us through a bleak winter and the Genesis certainly didn't disappoint in this regard. From the playoff drama between Homa and Finau to why a rare missed cut and some huge changes for McIlroy at Riviera isn't all bad, we take aim at the week in golf in this edition of the podcast. As always, we hope you enjoy the listen and let us know what you think.
On this week's podcast we ask why golf remains closed in Ireland despite proving itself safe to reopen already amid this pandemic. With rumours of a six-week extension to current restrictions abound, we hope the case is being put forward so that golf can be one of a number of exceptions made by the Government as people seek a much-needed boost to morale post-March 5th.
In Tour news, there was only the PGA Tour to talk about this week but the AT&T Pebble Beach Championship provided plenty of topics for discussion. From Daniel Berger's superb win to another near-miss for a resurgent Jordan Spieth, we assess what's next for both 27-year old Americans in the coming months in a Ryder Cup year. We also chat Padraig Harrington's hopes of a return to action at this week's Genesis at Riviera after the European Ryder Cup Captain contracted Covid-19, while we take a look at the PGA of America's decision to permit Distance Measuring Devices at their Major championships and how that might impact the game. As always, we hope you enjoy the listen and let us know what you think.
On this week’s edition we are joined by PGA Professional Mark O’Mahony to take a look back at all the action from both Tours. It was a big weekend for Team USA as DJ claimed the Saudi International before Brooks Koepka rallied his way to a second WM Phoenix Open. We chat to Cormac Sharvin after a great start to his 2021 campaign that saw him claim his second highest career cheque on invite in Saudi while we also get Shane Lowry’s take on the proposed changes to be made by the R&A and USGA on distance. We hope you enjoy the listen. As always, let us know what you think.
There was plenty to unpack on this week's podcast after a lively weekend for golf around the world. Patrick Reed was immense in winning The Farmers but a cloud was once again cast over Captain America after an embedded ball incident during Saturday's round. There was no such drama at the Dubai Desert Classic where Paul Casey played his way firmly into Padraig Harrington's Ryder Cup plans. Juggling duties on and off the golf course, Captain Harrington put in another great showing himself and is eyeing up victory in this week's Waste Management Phoenix Open. We also discuss Thursday's starting Saudi International but rather than run through the field, we ask should the European Tour be traveling to Saudi at all? We hope you enjoy the listen. Let us know what you think.
Something a bit different this week as we look back on the first event of the 2021 European Tour season in Abu Dhabi. Far too early to draw too many conclusions but we made a good fist of it anyway, from Hatton’s brilliance to another Sunday of disappointment for Rory. Where the sky seems to be the limit for Hatton, a worrying pattern is emerging in McIlroy’s play that we get stuck into. We also touch on Shane Lowry’s missed cut and what that means for his Ryder Cup mindset. And we talk Darren Clarke who claimed his second win in as many Champions Tour events on Sunday in Hawaii. This is a new format for us so we’d love to hear your feedback. We hope you enjoy the listen.
When Leona Maguire was dreaming about one day competing on the LPGA Tour, she could've hardly imagined a rookie year like 2020 turned out to be. After hitting the ground running with a a tied-4th result at the ISPS Vic HANDA Open, Maguire's momentum was stopped in its tracks as Covid-19 decimated Tour schedules worldwide. There was still plenty of golf to play once the Tour resumed and Maguire was typically consistent, tying 18th at the ANA Inspiration before qualifying for December's Tour Championship. We were delighted to catch up with Leona who shares her report card from a year like no other, and also looks ahead to a bumper year for golf with a second date at the Olympics top of her agenda in 2021. We hope you enjoy the listen.
We were delighted to spend time with reigning Open Champion Shane Lowry ahead of what promises to be a bumper year for professional golf. The Clara man has made no secret of his desire to book his seat on the plane to Wisconsin for the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, but there’s much work to be done before then, with Lowry’s qualification bid teeing off in the UAE where he’ll compete at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic before February’s starting Saudi International. Find out about what Shane’s been up to over Christmas, his take on Dublin’s dominance after the All-Ireland football championship final and his hopes for a quick start to an all-important season. We hope you enjoy the listen.
As he looks to the next chapter of his golf career in the professional ranks, James Sugrue looks back on a Major 2020, brushing shoulders with Tiger at the Masters and looking forward to 2021.
In this episode we caught up with Roddy Carr, son of Ireland's most decorated amateur, JB Carr to look back at Dustin Johnson's record breaking win at the 84th Masters. We discuss all the weeks takeaways from DJ's win, Rory chasing the Slam, James Sugrue, Bryson and some great stories of his dad playing the Masters and his relationship with Bobby Jones.
There may be no azaleas, patrons or famous roars ringing around Augusta this week but when you’re in level 5 lockdown in Ireland, you’ll take what you can get. And what we’re getting is a Masters like no other, an invite to Augusta National in autumn and one of the most timely interjections of sporting heaven we could wish for at this time. The last time the country found itself in a level 5 lockdown, sport was off the agenda but what we pined for back in April is very much on the calendar for a unique November celebration, an escape from all things COVID and hopefully, without pushing our luck too much, a first chance to see an Irishman don that famous Green Jacket in the Butler Cabin come Sunday. Our website has been inundated with all the latest from Augusta so far this week and our special digital edition Masters magazine dropped on Tuesday, packed with quality content from drives up Magnolia Lane, past and present. Our access this week has been nothing short of incredible and we’re delighted to release our latest podcast to further preview what we have no qualms in admitting is our favourite week in the golfing calendar. Joining us on the show is a three-pronged line-up, headlined by live Masters contender Graeme McDowell who returns to Augusta National for the first time since 2016. We have former European Ryder Cup winning Captain Paul McGinley with his take on the runners and riders, plus his idea of the winner ahead of Thursday’s opening round and we also feature an extra special interview with Mallow amateur, James Sugrue who joined us after his practice round on Tuesday to discuss his first impressions of arguably the most famous venue in golf. We hope you enjoy the listen and as ever, make sure you stay ahead of the game this week at IrishGolfer.ie
With Bryson posting a Trackman carry distance of over 400 yards last week we sit down with Irish PGA Professional and master club Fitting Technician, Mark O'Mahony to discuss the route golf's governing bodies will take, if any, to dial back distance.
This week we caught up with the three-time Major Champion Padraig Harrington ahead of entering the European Tour bubble to discuss his relationship with the Irish Open - from a stressful beginning to the week he sees fit to make his return to golf at today. Plus there's plenty in between as one of the greatest minds to ever play the sport of golf lets us in on his thought processes at some key junctures in his career.
Brendan Lawlor was brimming with pride after he made his European Tour debut, a continuation of his life-long mission to put disability golf on the worldwide map. We caught up with the Carton House professional to discuss what he has achieved in his two years as a professional and the big ideas he has for the future.
He may have risen to national prominence with his pitch-perfect impressions of Joe Brolly and Ger Loughnane but impersonator, Conor Moore has found his big break inside the ropes through his take on the world of professional golf. It was great to have the opportunity to sit down with the Mullingar funnyman and chat all about the journey so far, from his first encounter with Tiger Woods to a special dinner with Barbara and Jack Niclaus that neither he nor his dad will ever forget. We also discuss his new title show, ‘The Conor Moore Show’ which airs on GolfPass and find out how he's been received by the players he impersonates. We hope you enjoy the listen.
This week we catch up with self-confessed golf fanatic, Niall Horan. The global musician admits he's missing live sport almost as much as his own tour life. The Mullingar man chats everything golf, from this year's Masters to getting starstruck meeting his idols and how his golf management company, Modest! Golf is helping to grow the game.
On this week's episode we caught up with one of the standout performers from 2019. It’s hard to believe that it’s nearly a year ago since he was crowned The Amateur Champion at Portmarnock Golf Club. We took a fun trip down memory lane and journeyed elsewhere, from his Open Championship disappointment to the Masters postponement and even hitting his famous Jimmy, a shot he’ll be taking all the way to the big leagues post-Covid-19. It’s the reigning Amateur Champion from Mallow, James Sugrue.
After one of the most decorated careers in ILGU history and nearly two years plying her trade as a professional golfer, Lisa Maguire took the brave decision to swap a life on the fairways for a career on the other side of the ropes as she started a new stage in her journey with Modest! Golf Management. Six months on from that decision we caught up with Lisa to reflect on her career to date, the ups and downs of her professional career and her vision for growing the women’s game.
An in depth chat with Paul Dunne on his transition into the professional game and the ups and downs of his professional career to date from his first Tour win and dealing with losing his European Tour Card.