A host of worthy candidates as Irish Open sticks with links

GERARD O’TOOLE’S comments, reported elsewhere in this issue, that he would like to see next year’s Nissan Irish Open played on a links course in the Dublin area, will arouse speculation about where the country’s flagship tournament will take place — that is, if at this point seems quite likely, Portmarnock is ruled out of the equation for a variety of reasons.

The rumour mill is up and running and there are suggestions that Royal Dublin have made their interest known. It will be recalled that the Dollymount links hosted the tournament for a three-year spell, 1983-85, when Portmarnock were looking for a break.

It's not seen as ideal by a large body of opinion, although it is interesting to note that it produced champions of the calibre of Seve Ballesteros in 83 and 85 and Bernhard Langer in 84.

You have to suspect that Royal Dublin, with its ideal location within the Dublin city boundary, would be seen as quite suitable if they did not, like Portmarnock, have an all-male constitution. It is difficult to envisage the Government, who part sponsor the tournament through Bord Fáilte, Nissan and even the European Tour who now own the title, wanting to get embroiled in further controversy on this subject.

After that, the options in or close to Dublin are relatively limited where links courses are concerned. The Island across the estuary from Malahide is an outstanding example of the genre but lacks the infrastructure to host a modern professional tournament. Further up the coast lies another magnificent links, Co Louth at Baltray, but it is doubtful if apparent problems with access and a lack of overall space would make it a practical proposition.

On the other side of Dublin, Pat Ruddy's European Club has received rave notices from visitors from all over the world. The clubhouse, though, is on the small side and again, they might not be able to accommodate all the tentage required to house the corporate hospitality areas and tented village. Trouble with big time European Tour events these days is that the course itself is only one of the many aspects that have to be considered. Nevertheless, it is good to hear the chief of the sponsoring company expressing a preference for a links and we wish him well in his search.

If one can believe the figures issued for the four days, well over 100,000 attended last week's tournament at Portmarnock. If even three-quarters of that number paid the daily entrance price of €35, it could be estimated that in excess of €1 million accrued in ticket sales and that will come as sweet music to Nissan and the European Tour. They also reap a rich dividend from the corporate sector who it has to be said were entertained in luxurious surroundings in superb chalets and pavilions and the tented village.

Every person who attended will have his and her view as to whether the event was a success and whether they enjoyed value for money. With players of the calibre of Michael Campbell and Thomas Bjorn at the head of the leaderboard, there was plenty to enthuse over on Sunday, but you cannot escape the feeling that the lack of a serious Irish challenge and the absence of Padraig Harrington over the weekend came as a big disappointment, even a turn-off for the fans. Quite understandably, they were wanting to cheer home an Irish winner after a gap of 21 years but it was never really on the cards.

We have become accustomed to describing Ryder Cup stars Harrington, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley as our "big three". How big they are at the moment is another matter. All agree that the Irish Open ranks in importance only behind the four majors, but the best they could manage between them at Portmarnock was missed cut, 47th and 33rd respectively. Essentially, that statistic says it all.

Credit to Gary Murphy and Peter Lawrie who have made major strides this year. If they maintain this level of progress perhaps one or other will take over the mantle of leading Irish golfer. It was interesting to note Murphy's keen disappointment at failing to capitalise on a good start to Sunday's final round that left him only three out of the lead after seven holes. He couldn't maintain the momentum but when reminded of where he stood only a month ago, he retorted: "It's not every day you have a chance to win the Irish Open."

Lawrie was similarly despondent after a closing 77 when he, too, had been in position to strike entering the final day. They have raised the bar for themselves and dead right, too.