The issue Portmarnock golf club must resolve

The wheels of progress turn very slowly at Portmarnock but if the sticky issue of women members is ever resolved, Shane Lowry will join Rory McIlroy at the top of the queue for the return of the Irish Open to what many consider to be Ireland’s blue riband links.

As he launched his very own line of clothing for Kartel at Greystones yesterday — the brand will be sold at Heatons stores nationwide — the 28-year-old looked out at the torrential rain and sighed when he recalled the golden links conditions he enjoyed in a pre-Open Championship practice round at Portmarnock just last Thursday.

“It’s just the best links track, isn’t it?” he beamed. “I’d love to see the Irish Open going back there. I grew up watching Irish Opens at Portmarnock.