Over the past 30 years Europe more often than not have found a way to disrupt golf’s natural order in the Ryder Cup.

As prepared as Paul McGinley undoubtedly was for this week’s Ryder Cup matches at Gleneagles, there were a number of outstanding issues that would have made him nervous.

AS Rory McIlroy stepped onto the first tee box in the final round of the USPGA Championship on Sunday night, he would have been well aware of the calibre of the chasing pack.

More and more you hear the whispering in the golfing corridors; Is this it?

He has watched his great friend and rival Rory McIlroy win three major championships already.

Winning the Open Championship was never going to be easy and so it shouldn’t be either.

How do you judge a person’s ability, especially if that person is already a superstar, someone as talented as Rory McIlroy?

There was a time, not too long ago, when Irish professional golfers were considered the underdogs when it came to winning events.

To host a successful golf tournament, a few vital ingredients must be part of the mix. You need a great course, one that both challenges and rewards the players. You also need a good field, but most importantly you need drama.

The Irish Open has provided me with many of my very best memories from professional golf.