Portstewart this week

[Steve Bamford]

Any view from guys who know the course, what score we are likely to see, be in-contention at this week's Irish Open? Looking tranquil Thursday and Friday, with a 15mph westerly across the weekend as per https://www.wunderground.com/q/zmw:00000.24.03914

 

[Yant]

I remember the opening holes being very picturesque but also very tricky.

 

[palindromicbob]

I'd expect some low scores especially on the back 9. Wouldn't be surprised to see -20 win it if weather is half decent.

 

[Coffey]

Was up there yesterday. First time I've seen the course so wouldn't consider myself an expert. Once the rain cleared there was barely any wind and conditions were great.

There are a lot of raised tee boxes with players taking driving irons or 3 woods off the tee. Didn't see many drivers being hit at all. I would say that it is not an advantage to be a big hitter, those who hit fairways and greens will score well. Also a lot of doglegs to the right which may suit the player who can easily fade the ball.

I have to say, the course was amazing. Should be a great test of golf and if you play well, there is a good score out there.

 

[garyinderry]

Heading up now for the pro am.

 

[stevek1969]

Some course ,I've played it close on 30 times and could happily play there every day. They've built some new tees to change the players thoughts on some holes, its all about keeping your ball in play around there but if the wind stays down 20 under could win it if it gets up 10 under could sneak it

 

[Yant]

Agree with that. Keeping it in play is key. It's a tight, beautiful course but not overly long.

 

[Steve Bamford]

Thanks for the responses. palindromicbob reckons -20. Others agree if forecast is fare? I saw plenty of water on the courses yesterday from ET coverage I saw.

 

[Curls]

I don't make predictions, these things are too hard to call, but if forced I'd say the weather changes over the weekend and having shot 66, 67, 70, 69, leader in the clubhouse Thunderbear Olesen is joined by overnight leader Paul Dunne in a playoff having stumbled to a final round 72 to also post -16. The first playoff hole is halved but at the second time of asking Olesen stiffs his approach and Dunne can only two putt from the fringe.

But like I say, wouldn't like to be any more specific than that.

 

[palindromicbob]

Forecast for the weekend is light winds and showers on Friday. Humidity is quiet high and given recent weather the course won't be likely to bake hard. If Royal Portrush in 2012 could have a -18 winner given the horrendous weather then I'd be surprised if my prediction is far off the mark. Could even be lower.

 

[Steve Bamford]

Forecast for the weekend is light winds and showers on Friday. Humidity is quiet high and given recent weather the course won't be likely to bake hard. If Royal Portrush in 2012 could have a -18 winner given the horrendous weather then I'd be surprised if my prediction is far off the mark. Could even be lower.

You were pretty spot on. Cheers

 

[palindromicbob]

Balls are stopping crazy quick. Shows how soft conditions are today. Wind up a few times but nothing really bad and a prolonged mizzle that's passed now. Sittings at the 15 green with Rahm -22 after front 9 I think my -20 was a little conservative.

 

[North Mimms]

The one time I played at Portstewart it was a wonderful day with bright blue sky.
And a howling wind.

I remember towards the end of the round, hitting what felt like my Sunday best drive, uphill straight into the wind.
Which just crept on to the fairway....

 

[palindromicbob]

The one time I played at Portstewart it was a wonderful day with bright blue sky.
And a howling wind.

I remember towards the end of the round, hitting what felt like my Sunday best drive, uphill straight into the wind.
Which just crept on to the fairway....

The local boys will be kicking themselves. They know this course well, they know that wind you describe and they'll know they can't play it in better conditions for scoring.

 

[Imurg]

I wonder how many times everyone who makes the cut finishes under par....
Haven't seen any of it but the scoring suggests little difficulty for the players....

 

[Hosel Fade]

I wonder how many times everyone who makes the cut finishes under par....
Haven't seen any of it but the scoring suggests little difficulty for the players....

Par 72 of barely 7000 yards and wet will do that especially with very little wind, tour players are just that good. Just have to see the latest Crossfield course videos to see what it takes to keep tour scoring at -10ish

 

[Junior]

Anyone see the Jon Rahm incident ? No penalty given but looks like he didn't replace in the same spot?

 

[North Mimms]

Anyone see the Jon Rahm incident ? No penalty given but looks like he didn't replace in the same spot?

They just interviewed Rules official.
Extremely waffling answer

 

[Fish]

Rahm needs to shout fore, that went full blast into crowd and could have really hurt someone, I don't subscribe to the guff about they would hear it, that was a duck hook almost full pelt into someone's leg.

Then threw his club to the ground also, I think we should have 'club abuse' like racket abuse and set some examples and give a penalty shot.

 

[Junior]

They just interviewed Rules official.
Extremely waffling answer

I know. He said the ball was replaced in a different spot, but there was no penalty? Not that it makes a difference to the result, but still.