‘There was a great eruption of applause and cheering when Shane hit his drive onto the middle of the fairway. Everyone was now at the 18th, including Donald Trump, watching from the stands’
Matthew Healy
The first professional golf tournament that I’ve been to turned out to be a great experience. Last Sunday morning we left Roscommon shortly after 8 o’clock in the morning for the long drive to Clare and the coast. Our destination was Doonbeg and the Irish Open.
Despite heavy traffic, we arrived at the Park ‘n’ Ride site shortly after 10.30 am. There was no general parking available at or in the vicinity of the golf course. Access to the event was via bus transfers from the Park ‘n’ Ride sites only. With US President Donald Trump attending, there was an airport security-style search and scanning for all fans before anyone was allowed on to the buses.
After a short ride on the bus you were then at the main area, where there were plenty of attractions, including live music, countless places to get food and drink, and different shops. A number of charities were also present. The weather was calmer than expected for a links course, the conditions perfect for the eagerly awaited final round.
Once we walked on to the course we encountered Sergio García teeing off on the 4th hole. What a start to our day… seeing a US Masters winner tee off just as we arrived. We then moved onto the 16th hole where we saw numerous different golfers tee off. We remained there for around 25 minutes for one real reason – the man himself, Rory Mcllroy. We were right beside Rory when he teed off on the challenging par 3. Initially he had sat on the box-shaped tee box while waiting for the group ahead to finish on the green. Rory seemed to be in good humour, joking with his playing partner, Rafa Cabrera-Bello. He hit a typical McIllroy tee shot and as he set off down the fairway was followed by a big contingent of fans.
As for us, we headed to the refreshments area. As expected, the food was expensive. It cost €15 for a 10-inch pepperoni pizza. We brought our pizza back onto the course and sat down around the 4th green and ate it there while waiting for Shane Lowry to arrive.
Shortly before Lowry emerged, we got to see Ryder Cup legend Patrick Reed. Then the crowd began to get louder as Lowry approached. The Irish fans cheered him on with fervour. There were many people wearing Offaly jerseys to support their county man. Lowry just missed out on his birdie putt.
Next, we made our way to the 7th tee box. There is a narrow climb to the top of the hill, which gives spectators a good view of each golfer’s tee shot. Some children slipped every now and then on the Doonbeg dunes.
A little while on, after a few tee shots by other groups, the crowd erupted once again in response to the presence of Shane. He hit his tee shot to around 45 feet, leaving a difficult putt. We followed him down to the green and witnessed his magnificent putt to birdie the hole. For such a long putt it always looked like it was going to drop.
Much later on the day, when it was clear that Lowry was going to win, a huge crowd gathered at the 18th. There was a great eruption of applause and cheering when Shane hit his drive onto the middle of the fairway. Everyone was now at the 18th, including Donald Trump, watching from the stands.
Once Shane hit his approach (quite close to the hole), the crowds gathered behind him on the fairway. The scene was exhilarating. There was a great buzz, with the big crowd enthusiastically supporting their hero. His final putt, confirming his easy win, had the crowd roaring. A great moment for Shane and his fans.
A buoyant Donald Trump delivered his speech and the fans gave the US President a mixed reaction. Attending the Irish Open in Doonbeg, with a home hero winning and the US President also there, was a great experience. A day to remember.
*Matthew Healy, a Transition Year student at Roscommon CBS, is on work experience with the Roscommon People
