Ahead of the 2016 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation, we cast our minds back to some of the most iconic moments from the tournament in years gone by.
Seve Ballesteros makes 45ft putt to beat Bernhard Langer
In 1985, Seve Ballesteros clinched his second Irish Open title in three years, beating Bernhard Langer in a play-off after both had finished on ten under par at Royal Dublin Golf Club.
The Spaniard drained an incredible 45ft putt on the second extra hole to spark another memorable clenched fist celebration.
Ian Woosnam wins back-to-back titles
Ian Woosnam's victory at Portmarnock Golf Club in 1989 could not have been more different to his win the year before. In 1988, Woosnam finished seven shots clear of a pack that included Sir Nick Faldo and José María Olazábal to win his first Irish Open title.
Twelve months later, though, he required a play-off to see off Irishman Philip Walton and claim memorable back-to-back triumphs in the Emerald Isle.
Faldo wins three Irish Opens in a row
As well as winning three Major Championships between 1990 and 1993, Sir Nick Faldo also claimed three consecutive Irish Open titles.
His victories in 1992 and 1993 came via play-offs, but he sealed his first win in 1991 after finishing three strokes ahead of Colin Montgomerie at Killarney.
'El Niño' becomes the youngest winner
If anyone doubted the ability possessed by then-19 year old Sergio Garcia, it was banished entirely after his record-breaking performance in Ireland in 1999.
Aged 19 years and 176 days, the Spaniard won by three strokes at Druids Glen to clinch his first European Tour title, which was swiftly followed by a second in Germany later that year.
Padraig Harrington becomes first Irish winner in 25 years
Two months before lifting the Claret Jug at Carnoustie, Padraig Harrington ended Ireland's wait for a first home champion since John O'Leary in 1982 when he claimed the title at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort.
Harrington’s victory was anything but routine though, as the Dubliner required a play-off before seeing off Bradley Dredge. Perhaps winning his national Open was the lucky charm Harrington needed, as he went on to win three Major Championships in the 15 months that followed.
Richard Finch falls in the water during victory in 2008
While Richard Finch will remember 2008 for winning two European Tour titles, many others will remember it for one of the more unusual moments on a golf course.
On the 18th hole at Adare Manor on the final day, Finch found himself perched perilously close to the River Maigue as he prepared to play his third shot. Standing on the steep ridge leading to the water, the Englishman lost his balance on his follow-through and tumbled into the water. But Finch could afford the dry cleaning bill after trousering the €416,660 winner’s cheque.
Paul Lawrie makes a hole-in-one
The sun was shining on Paul Lawrie when he made a hole-in-one during the 2009 edition of the Irish Open.
Having struck his tee shot on the 17th hole, Lawrie watched it bounce twice and roll into the cup to win a new car.
Lowry defied his amateur status not only to reach the summit of the leaderboard, but also to handle the pressure of a play-off with Robert Rock and become the first amateur to win on his European Tour debut. The foundations for what is fast turning into a decorated career were undoubtedly laid on that wet and wild day at Baltray.
Royal Portrush makes history as 2012 Irish Open host
There is no denying the historic significance of the 2012 Irish Open being held at Royal Portrush, in County Antrim. The staging of the tournament on one of Northern Ireland’s most renowned courses marked the tournament’s return to Northern Ireland for the first time since 1953, and history was made as tickets were sold out in advance for the first time.
Belvoir Park in Ulster had been the last Northern Ireland venue to host the Irish Open, before the decision was made to return north of the border. Jamie Donaldson, pictured above in the bunker affectionately known as ‘Big Nellie’, took the title in 2012 in front of 30,000 fans.
Rory McIlroy hosts his first European Tour event
The 2015 Irish Open was a landmark moment for Rory McIlroy, despite the trophy eluding him again.
The four-time Major winner hosted his first European Tour event through his Foundation at Royal County Down, increasing the spotlight on both the tournament and the children who benefit most from the important work done by his charity
