Todd Clements is hoping to build on his recent maiden DP World Tour title when he makes his Horizon Irish Open debut, with fond memories of his last visit to host venue the K Club.
The Englishman won the Irish Challenge at the County Kildare venue last year as he went on to finish 16th on the Road to Mallorca to graduate from the European Challenge Tour.
Clements had initially struggled to shine on his rookie DP World Tour campaign but that all changed after a brilliant bogey-free final-round 63 saw him win last month’s D+D REAL Czech Masters.
His victory propelled him from outside the top 150 on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex to the cusp of the top 50, bolstering his hopes of a first appearance at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
He now takes his place in a strong international field in Ireland, featuring Major Champions such as Rory McIlroy, with the 27-year-old determined to kick on.
“I obviously grew up planning to play to these events and I'm looking forward to the week," he said.
“It's a strong field this week and I think there's a lot to play for. So, hopefully [I can put together] a strong end to the season and see where we fair.”
Clements became the fourth Challenge Tour graduate of the 2022 cohort to win on the DP World Tour this season and believes the summer break was pivotal in enabling him to find a spark.
"After the break following The Open, I spent a lot of time working hard with my team," he added.
"I always believed I could compete at this level and the time I put in obviously paid off and confidence is high. I'm looking forward to getting stuck in this week."
We're back in Ireland for the @IrishOpen_ 🇮🇪#HorizonIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/N3M3CfPzq4
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 5, 2023
While he has lots of fond memories to call upon this week at the K Club, his six-shot triumph last year on the Challenge Tour was over the Palmer South course with the North course instead being used for the Irish Open.
On first impression, Clements is expecting a stern challenge but one he his relishing.
"It's nice to be back," he said. "Obviously surrounds are great. What I remember from last year is it was a great event, probably the highlight of my year last year, and hopefully I can make it again this year.
"The roughs up firmer and faster greens, so I think it's going to play a different challenge. Driving is premium. So they are my focal points of the week and we'll see how we fare out."
