Rock finds feet on greens as short stick starts to fire

Robert Rock has experienced more than his share of pain and suffering at the Irish Open but the affable Englishman is slowly piecing together another challenge for one of the European Tour’s historic titles at Fota Island.

Beaten by Shane Lowry in that memorable play-off at County Louth in 2009, he was disqualified at Killarney after the first round the following year when he signed for an incorrect score and then finished second when Paul Casey eagled the 72nd hole last year.

He finally made his tour breakthrough in 2011, claiming the BMW Italian Open before going on to enjoy the finest moment of his career so far when he won the 2012 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, holding off a host of star names including Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods to triumph by one shot.