The Irish Open is Back - And My Wallet is Already Sweating

By Lewis Barnett 2 September, 2025 8 mins read 349 Views

Look, I'll be honest with you. When I saw Rory McIlroy's name headlining this week's Irish Open field, my first thought wasn't about his 2016 victory at the K Club.

It was about how much money I lost backing him last year. Still stings, if I'm being real.

But here's the thing - this field is absolutely stacked in ways I didn't expect. We've got Brooks Koepka rolling in fresh off his LIV season, plus Sergio Garcia and Patrick Reed. That's some serious Major championship pedigree right there, not just the usual suspects like Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington grinding it out for the home crowd.

The bookies have Rory at 7-2, which honestly feels about right given his history at this venue. Problem is, "feels about right" doesn't win you money.

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Why Tyrrell Hatton Might Just Ruin Everyone's Day

Here's where things get interesting. Hatton at 12-1? That's the kind of value that makes me want to text my mate Dave and tell him to get his betting app out.

The guy finished fourth at the US Open this year - fourth! - and absolutely demolished the field at the Dubai Desert Classic back in January. Plus, and this is crucial, he's got that angry energy that just works on tough courses. You know what I mean... the controlled fury that either implodes spectacularly or produces magic.

At 12-1 versus Rory's 7-2, it's a no-brainer for me.

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The Long Shots That Keep Me Up at Night

Remember Vincent Norman? Course you don't. Swedish guy who won here two years ago at massive odds while everyone was watching the big names stumble around like tourists.

That's exactly why I'm eyeing up Thriston Lawrence at 40-1. The South African had a rough start to 2025 - PGA Tour rookie life hit him like a truck - but his win in Switzerland last week reminded everyone why he's special. Plus he finished third here in 2023, just two shots behind Norman.

Forty-to-one. For a guy who just won last week and has course form.

Kristoffer Reitan at 33-1 is another one I've been tracking all season. Third on the DP World Tour money list doesn't happen by accident. The Norwegian has been quietly building something special.

And listen... Richard Mansell at 66-1 finished sixth last week. Sixth! The guy's been knocking on the door all year, and sometimes you just have to trust that persistence pays off.

Going Completely Mental (In a Good Way)

Here's where I probably lose you, but hear me out.

Adrian Saddier at 100-1 won the Italian Open this year. His T33 in Switzerland was way worse than how he actually played - I watched enough of it to know he was hitting it pure and just couldn't buy a putt.

Conor Syme at 200-1 is pure chaos theory. Seven missed cuts around his KLM Open win, but he finished T7 here in 2023. Sometimes golf just clicks for a week, and 200-1 covers a lot of "what if."

Same logic applies to Lucas Bjerregaard at 200-1 after his eighth place last week.

Small stakes. Big dreams. You know how it goes.

Ryder Cup Rambling

Since both teams are set for Bethpage Black, the early markets are live and I'm already making questionable decisions.

Top overall points scorer bets are my weakness. Scottie Scheffler at 6-1 is obvious, but he'll probably partner Sam Burns who's been about as reliable as my internet connection lately.

Hatton at 18-1 for top points scorer? The guy won three of four matches in Rome. That's not luck.

Tommy Fleetwood at 12-1 is having his best year ever, and Russell Henley plus Cameron Young at 25-1 each look tasty from the American side.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to practice golf in order to improve my skills?

Golf is improved by consistency and quality, not just quantity. For beginners, practicing two to three times a week can lead to noticeable improvements. All aspects of the sport should be given equal attention: long shots; short game; and putting. It is important to have a goal in mind for every session of practice, whether it's improving your swing technique or shot accuracy. Incorporate professional instruction when possible to ensure your practice is effective and not reinforcing poor techniques. Don't just aim for the most balls possible. Make each shot count.

Can I play alone or do I require a partner to play?

Many golfers like to play a round alone. They enjoy the solitude and challenge. Solo play can help you focus on your game and improve it. Golf can be a great social activity, with the added benefit of camaraderie. Playing with a partner also enhances your golfing experience, allowing you to compete, learn and have fun. Golf courses allow individuals to play golf, particularly during quieter times. However, some will pair up single players and groups at peak hours in order to maximize course usage.

Do men and women have different golf equipment?

There are differences in men's and woman's golf clubs, due to the difference between their physicality and swinging speeds. Women's clubs are typically lighter, with more flexible shafts to accommodate a generally softer swing speed compared to men. Club heads often have a high launch angle that helps women golfers hit the ball farther. The grips tend to be smaller for smaller hands and the aesthetic design can also differ. The right equipment for any golfer is determined more by personal preference, individual ability and physical attributes than by gender.

How do I maintain and care my golf clubs?

Care for your golf clubs will help them last longer and perform better. To keep your club heads free of dirt, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and soapy warm water after every round. Clean the shafts using a wet cloth to remove any dirt. Inspect grips, as they may need replacement every year, depending on their usage. Store your clubs in a cool, dry place, as extreme temperatures and moisture can damage them. Use headcovers for woods and putters to protect them from dings and scratches during transportation.

Does it make sense to hire a professional instructor for golf lessons?

A professional isn't required to teach you, but a few lessons can make a huge difference, especially for beginners or intermediate players. A qualified instructor will provide you with personal guidance and correct any fundamental flaws that are present in your swing. He or she can also help you better understand the mental aspects of the sport, as well as offer advice that is tailored to your individual playing style. Sometimes, self-teaching leads to bad habits which are difficult to change. Even experienced golfers can benefit from periodic tune-ups by a professional to ensure that their technique is sound. Lessons are a great investment that can lead to greater enjoyment and higher scores on the golf course.

What do I need to know about the maintenance of golf courses and their impact on game play?

Maintenance of golf courses includes a variety of activities, including mowing and irrigation to aeration or topdressing. How a green is maintained can greatly affect the way it plays. For example, freshly aerated greens may be slower and less smooth, heavily watered fairways may play longer and softer, and tighter mowing patterns can lead to faster greens and fairways. Knowing the maintenance schedules will help you plan your course strategy. Before you start your round, check the local rules and announcements. They might contain information on course conditions that are temporary due to ongoing maintenance.

What golf clubs do beginners need?

For beginners, a basic set of golf clubs is more than adequate. A standard golf club set usually includes a driver and two woods, (like a 5-wood and 3-wood), as well as irons between 4 and 9, a wedge and putter. For bunker shots, many players find it useful to use a sand wedge. The maximum number of clubs that professionals are allowed to carry is 14. Beginners, however, should only focus on mastering the clubs they already have before adding more. To develop confidence, choose clubs that you feel comfortable with and are easy to handle.

Statistics

Nearly half of all beginners cite social interaction as a primary reason for continuing to play golf after their initial introduction to the sport.
Approximately 2.2 million people took up the game of golf in 2020, reflecting a significant increase in interest among beginners.
Roughly 60% of golfers who maintain a handicap index see an improvement in their scores year over year.
The average golfer spends about $500 on initial equipment when committing to learn the game.
Golfers who use a golf-specific fitness program can increase their drive distance by an average of 15 yards, benefitting their overall game.
About 85% of golf instructors recommend that new players focus on short game skills as an effective way to reduce their scores.
Golfers who take lessons improve their game twice as fast as those who choose to learn through trial and error.

External Links

How To

Learn to Master the Mental Game of Golf

The mental aspect is often considered half the battle in golf. To sharpen your mental game, it is advisable to establish a pre-shot routine, which can include visualizing the shot, breathing exercises to remain calm, and a consistent setup before swinging. Develop a positive mindset by setting achievable goals and focusing on the process rather than the outcome. Avoid dwelling on mistakes made in the past or worrying about future shots. Develop a short term memory and a resilient mindset to bounceback from any failures on the golf course.

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