'Maybe we had it too good': A day to cherish Irish golf's golden era

An appreciative Doonbeg crowd savoured the golf and the occasion as Shane Lowry offered a timely reminder: Irish golf has enjoyed an extraordinary era, and these are days to savour

Shane Lowry shakes hands with Pádraig Harrington after finishing his second round at the Irish Open. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

The consternation beside the 16th green forced Jon Rahm to stop as he was setting up. His caddie spun to confront the crowd, only to realise what had them in knots: a mouse.

The creature scampered towards the pin before veering left and careering into a steep bunker. Adam Hayes, in his all-white boiler suit, called over to the Spaniard to explain the noise. He felt the two-time major winner required an explanation for why the Doonbeg gallery had suddenly jolted from its state of reverence.