The Amgen Irish Open 2024 is one of the more prestigious golf tournaments on the 2024 calendar, which is set to take place September 12-15th at the Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland.
This particular event is part of the DP World Tour and will welcome some of the best golfers in the world, including Rory McIlroy, Pádraig Harrington and Shane Lowry, who are ready to compete for the title.
Royal County Down is a renowned venue within the golfing world, ranked as one of the best courses globally. With views of the Mourne Mountains as well as the Irish Sea, its stunning setting adds to the appeal of the tournament for those who choose to attend or simply watch from the comfort of their home.
Those attending will likely be on the edge of their seats watching the greats swing home for the trophy in what looks set to be an event that is settled on the final few holes. And, for those at home, the day will be just as thrilling and exciting! One thing is for certain, though: you can keep up to date with all the action and fixtures with Tonybet!
So, who heads the market for the 2024 Amgen Irish Open? Betting favourites include local hero Rory McIlroy, who will be aiming to add another victory on home soil. Just behind McIlory in the betting is Shane Lowry, who won the 2019 Open Champion, and is known for thriving on these kinds of courses.
American contender Billy Horschel isn’t far behind the top two in the market, who’s priced the same as rising Irish star Tom McKibbin.
The field is as competitive as ever, and this year’s tournament promises to deliver another spectacle at the Royal County Down. Let’s talk you through the contenders in closer detail.
Padraig Harrington: three time major champion
Pádraig Harrington is a seasoned Irish golfer and three-time major champion, although those victories came way back in 2007 and 2008. Harrington won The Open Championship and PGA Championship the following year. Although a fan favourite, it has been a long time since he was celebrating a major win.
Yet, there’s a reason as to why he’s still competing with the very best. The 53-year-old is known for his meticulous preparation and mental toughness, where he often excels in challenging conditions. If the weather turns at any point, it’ll be advantage Harrington compared to plenty of others competing.
Not only is his experience invaluable, but his short game is solid, particularly with his putting and chipping, which are crucial skills to have on the undulating greens typical of links courses. His mental resilience allows him to stay focused under pressure. Another positive at the Royal County Down.
However, the area that continuously lets him down is his consistency, especially off the tee. The occasional wayward drives can often put him in difficult positions. Even if he has an accurate drive, he’s not known for his distance and this is where other golfers will close in or overtake him when it comes to the longer holes.
All things considered, Harrington has plenty of positives ahead of the 2024 Amgen Irish Open. His overall course management and calmness are qualities that can’t be underrated. Yet if conditions are pleasant, he loses his advantage over others and his tee-offs could be the difference between success and failure.
Shane Lowry: major title wait continues
Shane Lowry, born in Clara, Ireland, is one of golf’s most respected players.
Having won the 2019 Open Championship, the Irishman will be hoping for more success in his home country this month.
Similar to Harrington, Lowry thrives in challenging conditions, a skill honed on the windy links courses in his beloved Ireland. Lowry’s short game is exceptional and has often seen him save multiple holes in recent years. To be competitive and at the top of the leaderboard, you must be able to keep a cool head in those high-stakes situations.
However, also similar to Harrington, consistency has sometimes been an issue for the 37-year-old. Tournaments aren’t won and lost in one day, and Lowry’s form can often waver mid-tournament
Still, Lowry is expected to perform well. He’s not only familiar with the course, but he’s capable of handling all kinds of weather conditions. If he can play to his strengths and show how solid his short game is, then he has a good chance of being in the mix for the title.
Rory McIlroy: four time major champion
It goes without saying that Rory McIlroy is one of the most successful golfers of his generation having won four major championships. Interestingly, he first gained international attention by finishing as the leading amateur at The Open Championship in 2007, a year before he turned professional.
McIlroy’s game is built around his excellent driving ability. One of the biggest longest hitters competing in the tournament, this can give the Irishman an advantage from the off – especially against Harrington.
As well as his ability with a driver, his iron play is also strong, allowing him to attack pins and set up birdie opportunities. Although McIlroy’s game is well-rounded, he hasn’t shown a liking on slower greens. If you’re betting on him, do keep one eye on the weather forecast.
As a local favourite with extensive experience on these courses, McIlroy is expected to be in the running to lift the trophy. His ability to overpower the course with his length should play to his advantage – an obvious contender.
Tom McKibbin: 21-year-old set to compete
Tom McKibbin is an up-and-coming golfer from Northern Ireland, who is often compared to Rory McIlroy due to his similar background, having also honed his skills at Holywood Golf Club whilst growing up.
McKibbin’s game is characterised by his solid ball-striking and composure beyond his years. He has a strong, accurate drive, which often puts him in favourable positions. Considering his age compared to plenty in the field, McKibbin shows calmness beyond his years in the most competitive settings.
At present, it’s still very much about gaining experience as well as handling the pressures of the sport. His short game could improve, and perhaps that is where other golfers who have “been there and done it” will sneak ahead of him.
Needless to say, McKibbin is seen as many bettors’ dark horse. There could be a changing of the guard in golf and the 21-year-old has shown the ability that it could soon be his turn.
Mark Power: 2023 Walker Cup winner
Mark Power is an emerging talent from Kilkenny, Ireland, who has made a name for himself as a standout amateur. Power’s exceptional iron play and strong course management are what sets him apart from others, while his consistent swing and ability to handle pressure situations effectively, has been demonstrated from his amateur days.
The transitions from amateur to professional can make or break a golfer, especially at incredibly tough courses like the Royal County Down. This is a course that is rather challenging when it comes to work on the green, and Power’s short game could benefit from further refinement.
Nevertheless, Power is an intriguing candidate for those looking at a much bigger price away from those at the top of the betting market.
Recent success in high-pressure amateur events indicate he could perform above expectations, and those wanting to take a swing on him may just be rewarded.
Seamus Power: 2021 Barbasol Championship winner
Séamus Power is Waterford, Ireland, and has made quite the impact on the PGA Tour in recent years. Notably, he won his first PGA Tour event at the Barbasol Championship in 2021, which marked his rise in the world rankings and solidified his status as one of Ireland’s top golfers.
The 37-year-old is blessed with a strong all-around game, although it is his driving accuracy and consistency with his irons that stand out as his best attributes. The former bodes very well ahead of this tricky course.
As with any top golfer capable of winning trophies, Power has the ability to remain calm under pressure, which ultimately led him to his success on the PGA Tour.
Power also excels on the greens, where his putting is a significant asset, where a few on this list often struggle. His steady temperament and tactical approach to the game allow him to navigate challenging courses effectively.
At the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, Power is expected to be a strong contender, especially given his experience on the PGA Tour and his familiarity with the course. If he can leverage his strengths in accuracy and putting, while remaining cool, calm and collected throughout the four days, he has the potential to contend for the title.
Celebrities galore: a host of stars expected on the course
Not many will have expected to see quite as many well-known celebrities set to compete in the four day tournament.
Comedian and TV host Patrick Kielty, rugby legends Johnny Sexton and Tommy Bowe, and actor James Nesbitt have all been confirmed as celebrity entrants this time round.
It’s fair to say that these stars, known for their accomplishments in entertainment and sports away from the golf course, will certainly add a unique spin to the event. Their participation is expected to draw a wider audience, which can only be a good thing for the sport as a whole.
We’re not confident any will be challenging for silverware, mind you.
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Both Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are your betting favourites to win the Amgen Irish Open 2024. However, they aren’t the only Irishmen capable of collecting the main prize, and many will be keeping one eye on the dark horse selection Tom McKibbin.
For those looking to place a bet on the event, you can find the latest odds and betting options with Tonybet!
