Colin Sheridan: Irish golf is having a moment, we must preserve it so that everyone can enjoy it

Last Week's Walker Cup triumph at Lahinch and this week's Irish Open at Doonbeg shows why golf tourists are crossing the Atlantic — it's because Ireland does not recreate American golf, and when it comes to access to the sport we should keep that

Shane Lowry during the pro-am on Wednesday ahead of the Amgen Irish Open Golf Championship 2026 at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Clare. The camera loves Irish links golf. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

From spring until well into autumn, they emerge from the transatlantic flights: groups of American golfers shepherding enormous travel bags through arrivals before disappearing into equally enormous coaches waiting outside. 

The windows are often tinted, the itinerary usually punishing. Lahinch today, Ballybunion tomorrow, perhaps Tralee, Waterville, Doonbeg, Carne or Enniscrone after that.