SIMON LEWIS: Irish Open offers extra incentive

Yes, yes, I know it’s nearly November and the leading golfers in the world are out east chasing dollars, dirhams and yuan — there’s gold in them thar (Mission) Hills, eh, Rory! — but it has actually been quite a good week for the Irish Open.

You remember the Irish Open? A European Tour event that actually takes place in Europe, albeit at various points from year to year dependent, seemingly, on the position of the moon in relation to Capricorn or some other sort of nonsense.

Regardless, whenever it is staged, and in 2014 it will be the week after the US Open from June 19-22, the Irish Open remains the highlight of our golfing calendar outside of the Majors. Golf lovers in Ireland are rightly proud of its continuing existence and the annual opportunity to see our best players and brightest talents on parade on home, soggy soil.