Simon Thornton calls a truce in 'battle' with County Down

Simon Thornton had the chance to play in sunnier climes at the PGA Cup in Oregon, but decided to stay at home so his children could witness their dad playing in the Irish Open.

Simon Thornton of Ireland throws up grass to check the wind direction during day one of the Amgen Irish Open Golf Championship 2024 at the Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Down. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

People talk about ‘battling’ the elements and the other vagaries that define links courses. Simon Thornton doesn’t view it in quite those antagonistic terms. The 47-year old sees it as an attempt to reach some sort of accommodation with the task at hand.

One of 11 Irish golfers in the field this week, the 47-year old lives a stone’s throw away from the course in Newcastle. His approach was set early on Thursday, long before he even opened the blinds to see the lay of the land.