Abraham Ancer is looking forward to seeing all that Ireland has to offer this summer but first he is aiming to lift the trophy at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
The Mexican is playing his first Rolex Series event this week having only played previously on the European Tour at Majors and World Golf Championships and he is making a big impression.
After an opening 66 in the relatively benign conditions on day one at Lahinch Golf Club, the tournament invite carded a second round 67 to put himself right in contention heading into the weekend.
Ancer has crossed the Atlantic to get his links game ready for The Open Championship but he is also enjoying the cultural side of his European adventure.
"Ireland has been good to me to far," he said. "The golf course is phenomenal and I'm playing some good golf.
First start on the European Tour ✔️
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 5, 2019
First visit to Ireland ✔️
Yet Abraham Ancer is 6 under par and co-leading. pic.twitter.com/IIRZYNMAAH
"When I heard we got a chance to play the Irish Open, it was a no-brainer to me. I wanted to play a little more links golf, I love this type of golf and I'm really excited to be here.
"I'm going to get to see Ireland a little more, so I'm going to go to Dublin and just hang out there, check it out, so it's going to be fun.
"I wanted to play a little bit more on the European Tour if I can. It's a lot of fun just being out here, it's just really cool.
"I've been to some parts of Europe before but never Ireland and it's been phenomenal. The views out here, the golf course, everything, has been absolutely phenomenal and the people have been great, too."
