Is The Irish Open Too Tough?

[Deleted member 15344]

I'm sure an event was moved from St Mellion because many players found the course too hard.
B&H..?
Might not have been the sole reason but was certainly a factor

Was it not moved due it being redesigned and the cost of holding the comp getting a bit too steep ( after they lost a lot trying to host the Ryder Cup)

 

[Imurg]

Was it not moved due it being redesigned and the cost of holding the comp getting a bit too steep ( after they lost a lot trying to host the Ryder Cup)

Maybe but it was well known at the time that the players didn't like it.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Maybe but it was well known at the time that the players didn't like it.

But they still all played in every year regardless it seems

 

[Foxholer]

I'm sure an event was moved from St Mellion because many players found the course too hard.
B&H..?
Might not have been the sole reason but was certainly a factor

There were certainly rumblings about it being too hard and that being why it couldn't attract the top players!

 

[Tongo]

Surely after a record breaking winning score last weekend its a nice change for a struggle on the links! A good test for the upcoming US Open.

 

[Berger]

Pretty much every 'top 100' ranking of golf courses is dominated by links courses at the top. RCD is never outside the top 5. These are the best courses in the world, I think it's only right the worlds best golfers are tested on them.

3 of the 4 majors this year will be played on links courses. I don't think it will do the pros any harm to test their skills on a course like RCD in preparation for what is still to come.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'd have said perfect preparation for the Open. What are they going to do if the wind and rain arrives at St Andrews. As I have said before I like to see the pros having to work hard to make a score and it shows that some simply can't adapt

 

[BubbaP]

3 of the 4 majors this year will be played on links courses.

Whilst I follow sentiment of the post, is the quote strictly true?

 

[LanDog]

Whilst I follow sentiment of the post, is the quote strictly true?

No because Whistling Straits is a faux links, they will water down the fairways and it is based inland, Chambers Bay will be more links like

 

[stevek1969]

I think its been great to watch, you can see who the shot makers are rather than the one dimensional who driver as far as they can the wedge on. Links golf is a thinking game, as the said on the Sky commentary you've got to creep your way around RCD not overpower it. Its just standard weather for that part of the world same here on the east coast of scotland ,played in 20mph winds this morning which is just a normal day here, it was still cold so had a tammy on

 

[chrisd]

No way too tough

Jason Barnes was earning £9 in our Friday swindle about 3 weeks ago and has made the cut ! Can't be tough as our place!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think its been great to watch, you can see who the shot makers are rather than the one dimensional who driver as far as they can the wedge on. Links golf is a thinking game, as the said on the Sky commentary you've got to creep your way around RCD not overpower it. Its just standard weather for that part of the world same here on the east coast of scotland ,played in 20mph winds this morning which is just a normal day here, it was still cold so had a tammy on

Totally agree. Not even in the same ball park as RCD but having such limited exposure to links golf I was amazed at Hillside last week. I couldn't get perfectly struck drives to the 200 yard marker in practice (nor could others so not just my short hitting) and how much the wind could affect not just long shots but its influence around the greens too. All about planning your shots and finding the best misses

 

[palindromicbob]

If the Irish open starts to earn a reputation as a test of golf I think we could see a fair few back. Can't see K Club or Lough Erne being as tough a test though. Lough Erne will certainly suit the big hitters. Think I'll perch my seat around the 7th for that one .

 

[garyinderry]

Top 3 who are not already playing the open get in so it is well worth a punt.

 

[Dave3498]

Luke Donald finished -1. Enough said.

 

[Pin-seeker]

If they dont play because they believe its too hard for them - then they are the sort of players people dont want to see anyway - there should never be a change in venue because people find it hard. They are supposed to be professional golfers who enjoy the test of the course.

You will find more players not playing tournaments due to lack of big prize money.

Isn't this the reason that Poulter didn't play at Wentworth?

 

[Tongo]

Isn't this the reason that Poulter didn't play at Wentworth?

I think he didnt play cos he's never played well round the West course. Didnt Harrington do a similar thing a few years back?

Ranking points i would think also comes into a player's as well.

 

[gazr99]

No the weather was what made it tough. Conditions were better yesterday which was showed in the scoring. Wouldn't mind seeing Royal County Down host an open soon though

 

[Imurg]

Looks like its hard going today.
As of now, 4 of the 67 players are under par for the day..!

 

[JohnnyDee]

In all honesty I don't think I've ever seen so many short-ish putts being missed. Looks like another hard day at the office for the field.