The Amgen Irish Open has drawn its traditionally large crowd to the coastal resort of Newcastle and the prestigious Royal County Down Golf Club.

Englishman Todd Clements carded a five-under-par 66 to hold a one-shot lead after the opening round with Rory McIlroy birdieing the last three holes to come in two shots back at three under.

Amgen have a major hospitality operation in full flow with the luxurious Slieve Donard hotel, owned parly by NFL Super Bowl winning brothers Peyton and Eli Manning a central part of the experience.

I was fortunate to play the pro-am tournament on Tuesday as a guest of Dubai Duty Free who were the long time title partner before retaining their interest when Amgen came in, initially as Horizon with a major five year deal, in which we are now in year three.

Irish golfing legend Des Smyth is an ambassador for the airline and was passing on helpful hints to our merry if somewhat off the pace band of brothers playing the closing holes with PGA Tour winner, and great lad to play with Harry Hall on Tuesday.

Harry had a quadruple bogey 8 in his opening round but a hatful of birdies means he is still in contention heading into day two.

A winner this season on the PGA Tour he shared some of the numbers of what it is like to play in the US. That win in the Isco Championship means he has a two year exemption now in the US and Europe which makes a big difference.

The Pro-Am is a unique feature of golf. In what other sport can you get as close to the stars and actually play on the same course at the same time, albeit with a lot less skill and accuracy.

It is a memorable experience for anyone that gets the chance. The celebs were out as well with Patrick Kielty and James Nesbitt among those playing this week, after Josh Van Der Flier, James Lowe and Sam Prendergast teed it up at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.

It is a great sporting event to immerse yourself in as well and continues through this weekend though with many present keeping half an eye as well on the Solheim cup taking place across the Atlantic.

McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington are among the eleven Irish golfers drawing the biggest crowds amid the dunes and the spectacular scenery of County Down.

 

 

 

 

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