Time for Tour to shape its own future with European swing

The Irish Open is a subject and tournament close to my heart, not just because I’ve been fortunate to play in it but because it has, at best, only limped along, with its sponsor status never fully guaranteed from year to year.

In order for the Irish Open to consistently create the necessary foundations for growth, it needs absolute commitment and support from many sides — the Irish players, the European Tour, the sponsors, the venues and of course, the general public. Most importantly, it needs the support of both political establishments in the 32 counties.

Assuming that goodwill is there, someone or somebody needs to be strong enough to create the necessary vision and to project manage its delivery. For many years this has been a grey area and the Irish Open has suffered for it but not any more, it seems.