Rahm the man to beat as Lahinch set to sizzle

It will not be in the nature of the tournament host to have slept easily last night on the eve of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open but his efforts to make this €6.2m European Tour event a success have already earned Paul McGinley the right to relax just a little.

When compatriot, triple major champion, and future Irish Open host Pádraig Harrington jokingly complains that his friend has set the bar unfairly high for all those who follow as keepers of this tournament’s flame, you get an idea of the level of commitment McGinley has given to this cause and a near sell-out crowd this weekend, starting with today’s opening round, will bear testament to that. McGinley has lucked out with the weather but he has also succeeded in transforming Lahinch into a spectacular tournament venue with a quality field competing on an iconic links, the players’ decision to play it rewarded with an ideal opportunity to prepare for this month’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.