Now it will be four Irish major winners in a golf major.
Ireland’s “big fore” are back in the U.S. this week to compete in the Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio. one of the most prestigious tournaments on the U.S. tour.
Darren Clarke won a late entry to Akron with his British Open victory and has been paired for the opening round with none other than the returning Tiger Woods, who has made winning Bridgestone something of a specialty.
The four Irish heroes will be looking for a return to form after disappointing showings at the Irish Open in Killarney last weekend.
Clarke and Harrington failed to make the cut, while McIlroy and McDowell, who will be the Irish team pair at the World Cup in China in November, never made a serious bid for the trophy.
Akron will be followed next week by the PGA, the final major of the season and the Irish foursome is also lined up for the start at Atlanta Athletic Club.
Harrington won the PGA and the Wannamaker Trophy in 2008 but has been generally struggling with his game of late.
Meanwhile, the growing importance of the business of golf to Ireland’s economy was emphasized in a very particular way in Killarney when Taoiseach Enda Kenny made himself available to present the Waterford Crystal trophy to the winner, Englishman Simon Dyson, who also secured a ticket to Akron by virtue of his Irish Open win.
