Lowry’s form and Lahinch experience could prove pivotal

Defining a great golf links course is trickier than you might think. Outside of the Open Championship rota, for example, the most difficult challenge is that posed by Carnoustie. Why? Because it relentlessly asks you to hit one great shot after another.

The same could be said for Portmarnock here in Ireland but where does that then rank the legendary St Andrews or indeed Lahinch Golf Club, the venue for this week’s DDF Irish Open?