Castleknock’s David Reddan carded a brace of two-under par 70s in blustery conditions to win the Castletroy Senior Scratch Cup, sponsored by Trade Electric Group.

His final round featured a sensational eagle three at the long par five 16th hole in the second round, where he almost holed out for an albatross.

Scores

His spectacular approach shot helped him win by one stroke from a high-quality chasing pack comprising Glasson’s Isaac Oliver (73-68), Greystones’ Dylan Holmes (71-70), Fota Island’s Morgan Cain (71-70) and Dooks’ Conor Hickey (70-71).

Castletroy’s Dean McMahon (72-70) continued his run of good form to finish fifth in the 79th edition of the event on two under.

Powerscourt’s Adam Allabachani was a shot further back on his debut after rounds of 72 and 71

Oliver had the best round of the day, a four-under 68 in the second round, while Birr’s Eanna Mulhare recorded the only other sub-70 score of the event, closing with a 69 to finish ninth on one-over.

The USA and Great Britain and Ireland won a session each on Saturday to leave the hosts with a two-point lead - 7-5 - heading into the singles in the 44th Curtis Cup in Los Angeles.

The USA needs to win 3.5 of the eight points on offer at Bel-Air Country Club to reach the 10.5 points they need to win back the cup.

Catriona Matthew’s charges need to win five points from the eight matches to reach 10 points to retain the Curtis Cup.

SCORING

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Kiara Romero and Asterisk Talley birdied five of their last seven holes to beat Lily Hirst and Nelly Ong 4&3 and while Sophia Fullbrook and Patience Rhodes birdied four of the last nine holes to beat Anna Davis and Avery Weed 3&2, Beth Coulter and Isla McDonald lost their tight morning fourballs 1 up to Jasmine Koo and the outstanding Farah O’Keefe.

It meant GB&I lost the session 2-1, making it 6-3 to the US.

But the visitors, who are seeking only their second away and the first for 40 years, took the afternoon foursomes session 2-1 to make it 7-5.

Charlotte Naughton and Davina Xanh beat Americans Anna Davis and Asterisk Talley 3&2 and Sophia Fullbrook and Patience Rhodes held off Kelly Xu and Kary Hollenbaugh to win 2 up.

But Coulter and McDonald O’Brien fell 4&3 to Avery Weed and O’Keefe, who can become just the fourth player in Curtis Cup history to go 5-0.

Coulter will play in the anchor singles for GB&I as Rhodes, Fullbrook, Ong and McDonald-O’Brien play in the first four matches.

“We've got to win early,” skipper Matthew said.

Shane Lowry will have a chance to notch his first top 10 since his Congnizant Classic disappointment in the RBC Canadian Open and head to the US Open with a spring in his step.

The Offaly man lost a three-shot lead with double-bogeys on the 16th and 17th to hand Nico Echavarria the title in Palm Beach in March.

He went on to shoot 80 in the final round of the Masters when in contention but after carding a three-under 67 in last night’s third round at TPC Toronto as Osprey Valley, he’s just four shots behind leader Jack Suber.

The American (26) shot 66 to lead by a shot on 13-under par from Bud Cauley (66) and by two from Wyndham Clark (63), Brice Garnett, (67), Tommy Fleetwood (67) and Jesper Svensson (68).

He’s tied for 12th on nine under and in with a chance of contending again before heading to Shinnecock Hills.

Oughterard's Kate Dillon made history when she claimed the inaugural East of Ireland Women's Amateur Open after a play-off on a thrilling final day at Woodbrook.

The Arizona State golfer made an incredible birdie on the 18th to force sudden-death with Roscommon's Olivia Costello, before a sensational approach on the second play-off hole secured another birdie and a famous victory.

"It feels great to come away with the win after the day I had, so very happy," said Dillon, whose one-shot overnight lead evaporated quickly when she bogeyed the second, third and sixth and double-bogeyed the seventh to fall four strokes behind Costello.

After making birdies at the eighth and ninth, Dillon got back into contention when Costello triple-bogeyed the par-five 14th after an errant tee shot.

Costello bounced back with a birdie on the 15th, but Dillon responded with a birdie at the 16th, reducing the lead to one stroke with two holes remaining.

"It was pretty brutal, I wasn't hitting it well, I was getting a bit frustrated at myself," Dillon said. "Then I relaxed, stayed solid from there on in and just let the golf happen.

"You never know how it's going to end up in the end, so I just kept going, and before I knew it, I was within a chance."

A solid approach on the last allowed the Sun Devils star to make a birdie and join Costello on three-under, forcing a play-off on three-under as she shot a one-over 74 to Costello's 73, leaving them a shot clear of Ballinrobe's Shannon Burke.

"I knew I needed a birdie, and I didn't hit a great shot in, left myself a long putt," Dillon explained. "I was just praying it went in when I saw it go.

"Olivia had a similar putt from behind me, so I kind of got a read, but I was just telling the ball to get in there because it wasn't listening too much today."

The pair exchanged pars as they returned to the 18th in sudden-death before Dillon went on to win at the par-five first thanks to a brilliant approach.

"We were joking, me and Olivia," Dillon said. "We know each other so well, we're such good friends. We were saying how did we end up after all of this with the exact same amount of shots.

"You're still nervous walking down and I was pretty nervous even coming down the first again. I didn't hit a great tee shot, but I still kept in it, hit a good wedge in, and that sealed the deal, so I was happy with that."

Dillon has just returned home from college in the US, so a win on Irish soil was made all the sweeter as she was surrounded by friends and family.

"Lots of the Dillons came over from Galway, so I'm delighted, and my brother came; he lives in Dublin," she said.

"That's actually the first time I've seen him since coming home from America, so it was great to have him there". 

Elsewhere, there was another Galway winner as Aoife Kelly claimed the Best Net prize.

The Galway Bay golfer carded a final round 71 to end the championship on three-under net, one stroke ahead of Joanna Campbell.

Burke's closing 71 allowed her to take home the Mid-Am prize on two-under par, four shots better than Kelly, with Lahinch's Aideen Walsh another stroke further back on three-over par.

The next event on the women's schedule is the North of Ireland Women's Amateur Open Championship at Lough Erne from June 28-29.

East of Ireland Women's Amateur Open, Woodbrook GC (Par 73)

Detailed scores

Final

216 Kate Dillon (Oughterard) 69 73 74, Olivia Costello (Roscommon) 77 66 73 

(Dillon won with a birdie at the second play-off hole); 

217 Shannon Burke (Ballinrobe) 69 77 71; 

220 Ellen O'Shaughnessy (Co Louth) 74 71 75, Katie Poots (Knock) 72 72 76; 

221 Aoife Kelly (Galway bay) 71 78 72; 

222 Libby Fleming (Kilkenny) 72 78 72, Aideen Walsh (Lahinch) 74 73 75; 

223 Anna Dawson (Tramore) 75 76 72; 

224 Jessica Reynolds (Co Sligo) 72 76 76; 

225 Kate Lanigan (Hermitage) 72 78 75, Anna Abom (Edmondstown) 72 78 75; 

229 Isabella Stewart (Woodbrook) 80 73 76; 

230 Caitlin Shippam (Ballykisteen) 74 77 79; 

231 Ella Cantwell (Esker Hills) 75 79 77; 

234 Lauren Dancis (Carton House) 76 79 79; 

236 Kayleigh Mulholland (Moyola Park) 82 78 76; 

237 Joanna Campbell (Royal Co Down Ladies) 78 77 82, Maebh McLoughlin (Co Sligo) 81 76 80; 

239 Maddie Armstrong (Knock) 81 80 78; 

243 Emma Haugh (Greystones) 80 81 82, Charlie Maxwell (Royal Curragh) 77 81 85; 

244 Deirdre Walsh (Milltown) 80 80 84; 

245 Aoife Ni Thuama (Douglas) 80 78 87.

Missed the cut

162 Grace Dowdall (Forrest Little) 82 80, Claudia O’Donoghue (Douglas) 86 76, Jade Harty (Galway) 79 83;

163 Deirdre Smith (Co Louth) 81 82, Clodagh Coughlan (Douglas) 82 81, Lauren Bradfield (Waterford Castle) 80 83;

164 Holly Hamilton (Belvoir Park) 83 81, Sophie Harrison (Dun Laoghaire) 77 87, Erin Poots (Knock) 86 78, Ella Grennan (Athlone) 81 83, Sadhbh Kelly (Bray) 82 82;

166 Emma Vinarcik (Tralee) 82 84, Sinead Ni Cheilleachair (Tullamore) 81 85, Clodagh Hopkins (Woodbrook) 82 84, Mirah Mijumbi (Roganstown Junior) 86 80, Niamh O Sullivan (Mallow) 86 80;

167 Seána McGuinness (Greenore) 84 83;

168 Sophie Dodd (Enniscrone) 81 87, Olivia Byrne (Blainroe) 92 76;

169 Isabella Shannon Hernandez (Mount Wolseley) 88 81, Jenny Maguire (Foxrock) 83 86, Qingyun (Elsa) Chen (Grange) 83 86;

170 Nicola Coffey (Woodbrook) 86 84, Sarahjane McNally (Skerries) 89 81;

171 Helena Burke (Carlow) 85 86, Gemma McMeekin (Royal Portrush) 90 81;

172 Rebecca Wall (Malahide) 84 88, Orla Foley (Headfort) 83 89;

173 Sue Phillips (Woodbrook) 86 87;

174 Rosaleen Drennan (Blarney) 83 91, Maria O'Reilly (Headfort) 85 89;

176 Caoimhe Byrne (Grange) 88 88;

177 Kate Lynch (The Island) 89 88, Isobel Byrne (Blainroe) 89 88;

181 Ciara Corcoran (Grange) 90 91;

184 Shauna Fee (Blacklion) 89 95;

186 Jessica Sutton (Ballyneety) 93 93;

188 Jayde Dunbar (Mullingar) 97 91;

WD Karen O'Neill (Douglas) 79 WD;

NS Emma Murray (PGA National Slieve Russell)

Beth Coulter is aiming to make a "hot start" with partner Isla McDonald-O'Brien and build on their impressive 3&2 win over US stars Kiara Romero and Asterisk Talley in the Curtis Cup in steamy Los Angeles.

The USA holds a 4-2 lead after the first day's action at Bel-Air Country Club, but after beating world number one Romero and eighth-ranked star Talley in the afternoon foursomes, Coulter insists Great Britain and Ireland are a team on a mission today.

Scoring

She sat out the morning fourball session that ended with the USA leading 2-1 following a lone win for Sophia Fullbrook and Patience Rhodes.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Romeo and Talley beat Lily Hirst and Davina Xanh, 4&2, as Jasmine Koo and Farah O'Keefe, three-up after seven, held on to beat Charlotte Naughton and Nellie Ong 2 up.

But after the exertions of their US Women's Open efforts, where Romero was sixth behind Nelly Korda and Talley an impressive 22nd, they ran out of steam against McDonald-O'Brien and Kirkistown Castle star Coulter, who claimed Great Britain and Ireland's lone win in the afternoon foursomes.

"Obviously, they did play in the morning, so we definitely had the advantage of having a little bit more energy," said Coulter, who played on the team that won at Sunningdale in 2024 and hopes to help GB&I to its first away win for 40 years.

"We used that to our advantage in the back. We kept saying it to each other, and we had a lot of fun out there."

"It obviously held us in good stead this afternoon on the back. They had obviously played a lot more holes than we had, and that was important for us to remind ourselves."

The 4-2 scoreline is not what skipper Catriona Matthew had in mind, but she saw encouraging signs and aims to win both sessions today.

"There was some great golf out there," she said. "I thought our team really fought well, hung in well. And they fought till the end. 

"There were no real big blowouts, which it could have been after being three or four down after a few holes.

"As I say, they fought well and just need to keep doing a bit more of that tomorrow."

Coulter and McDonald-O'Brien are clear on what they need to do today against O'Keefe and Jasmine Koo in the opening foursomes.

"I think getting out there and getting off to a hot start," Coulter said. "Obviously, the Americans did it this morning. I think that's what we'll be trying to do tomorrow. We've got a target, and we're obviously going to strive towards it."

The USA has also not lost on home soil since 1986 at Prairie Dunes, when Mary McKenna, Claire Hourihane and Lillian Behan.

At the LPGA's Dow Championship in Michigan, Leona Maguire and Lindy Duncan shot a one-under 69 and Lauren Walsh and Celine Herbin a 67 to make the cut on the three-under limit.

They go into the third round tied for 25th, nine shots behind Norway's Celine Borge and Germany's Polly Mack, who shot a 10-under 60 to lead by a shot on 12-under from Japan's Ayaka Furue and Yuna Nishimura (61) and by two from world number one Nelly Korda and Germany's Olivia Cowan, who also shot 60.

" Obviously, we're all zoned in and trying to perform our best, but there was a little bit less pressure than alternate shot," Korda said.

Shane Lowry produced two sparks of brilliance on his back nine to keep debutant Ben James in his sights at the RBC Canadian Open.

The Offaly man turned in two-over in 25mph winds at TPC Toronto when he three-putted the 17th hole and took six at the par-five 18th after a poor drive.

Little went his way until he chipped in from 62 feet for an eagle three at the first and finally made a 13-footer at the eighth to card a one-under 69.

At six-under par, he was tied for 19th, four shots behind James, who topped the PGA Tour University standings this year to earn his card.

The 24-year-old University of Virginia graduate, who excelled for the USA in the Arnold Palmer Cup at Lahinch two years ago, could not have asked for a better start to his professional career.

He made an eagle and five birdies in a bogey-free 63 to lead by a shot from Sam Burns (67), Jackson Suber (65), China's Haotong Li (64) and Sweden's Jesper Svensson (65) on 10 under.

"I got no clue because I've never been in this position, so I'm very excited to find out," James said when asked if he'd have trouble sleeping on the lead. 

"One thing I wanted to do was get in that last group. I just want to feel what that feels like and see what happens out there in that situation. 

"Being so young, I'm just excited. I have no expectations. I'm going to play the best I can, like I did the last two days."

Defending champion Ryan Fox (66) and Brooks Koepka  (68)were tied for fifth on eight under, but Séamus Power missed the two-under-par cut by a shot after a 68.

Pádraig Harrington couldn't undo the damage of an opening 73 and a 70 left him packing his bags for Shinnecock Hills on three-over.

On the HotelPlanner Tour, a tough season continued for the Irish in the Interwetten Open in Austria.

While Max Kennedy shot a five-under 64 and John-Ross Galraith a 66, they made the cut with nothing to spare on four-over, eight strokes behind the Netherlands' Lars van der Vight.

Gary Hurley (67) missed the cut by two shots on two-under with Liam Nolan (70) one-under, Ronan Mullarney (71) level par and James Sugrue (71) one over.

Meanwhile, Oughterard's Kate Dillon shot rounds of 69 and 73 to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the inaugural East of Ireland Women's Amateur Open at Woodbrook.

She leads on four under par from Roscommon's Olivia Costello, who shot up the leaderboard thanks to a second round  66.

A world-class field featuring golfers from 41 countries will gather at Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire for The 131st Amateur Championship.

Taking place from 15-20 June, the Championship returns to Hoylake for a record 19th staging with 288 players competing to win one of the most prestigious titles in amateur golf and follow in the footsteps of past champions including Bobby Jones, José María Olazábal, Sergio Garcia and Matteo Manassero.

A number of players ranked in the top-100 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) will tee it up on Merseyside, including one player ranked in the world’s top-ten, four in the top-25 and ten in the top-50.

Together with a record-strength pre-qualifying field and 607 entries from around the world, it highlights the growing competition for places in one of amateur golf’s most coveted championships.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Chief Championships Officer at The R&A, said, "The Amateur Championship holds a special place in our sport and continues to attract talented players from all over the world. With competitors from 41 countries and two outstanding host venues in Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire, we are looking forward to welcoming the next generation of amateur golfers to Merseyside. 

"The Championship has a proud history dating back to 1885 and many of the game's greatest players have lifted this trophy before going on to enjoy successful careers. We are excited to see who will emerge from this year's field and add their name to that distinguished list." 

England's Luke Poulter (9) leads the field and is joined by fellow Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team-mates Stuart Grehan (56) of Ireland, Scotland's Connor Graham (36) and Niall Shiels Donegan (31).  South Africa's Daniel Bennett (16), American Kihei Akina (22) and Tim Wiedemeyer (28) of Germany also arrive having enjoyed impressive collegiate seasons.

Players from 41 countries will be represented, highlighting the Championship's international appeal. This year's field also includes competitors from Hungary and the United Arab Emirates for the first time, with Bence Bertenyi and Rayan Ahmed becoming their nation’s first representatives in the Championship.

Several players arrive with significant achievements already secured this season. Japan's Taisei Nagasaki finished runner-up at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship last October, South Africa's Jack Buchanan is the reigning Africa Amateur champion and France's Lev Grinberg recently captured the St Andrews Links Trophy. 

Recent high performers at The Amateur will also be among those hoping to contend again this year. Ireland's Gavin Tiernan returns after finishing runner-up in 2025, while Finland's Veikka Viskari, Italy's Riccardo Fantinelli and France's Matthis Lefevre all had notable runs in last year's match play stages. To view the full field visit randa.org.

Founded in 1885, The Amateur Championship is one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur championships in the world. Royal Liverpool hosted the inaugural Championship and this year marks the 19th time it has staged The Amateur, more than any other venue, while neighbouring West Lancashire, one of the 24 clubs that contributed to the purchase of the original Amateur Championship trophy in 1886, will host stroke play qualifying.

Pre-Qualifying is taking place at West Lancashire today, where 72 players are competing for the final 22 places in the Championship field. Follow live scores at randa.org.

Colm Campbell Jr, Patrick Curran, Patrick Keeling, Gavin O’Neill, Conor Stapleton, Cian O’Connor, Dylan Keating, Gerard Dunn, David Lally, Keith Egan, David Howard and Aodhagan Brady will be bidding to join the already qualified Jake Foley, Joshua Hill, Caolan Rafferty, Jonathan Keane, Stuart Grehan, Matthew McClean, Jack Murphy, Thomas Higgins, Sean Keeling and Gavin Tiernan.

Following two rounds of stroke play, the leading 64 players and ties will progress to the match play stages, culminating in a 36-hole final on Saturday.

The champion will earn exemptions into The Open, the US Open, a DP World Tour event and, by tradition, an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament, provided they retain their amateur status.

The Runner-Up will receive a spot in Final Qualifying and the Last Chance Qualifier for The Open. The Quarter Finalists will earn an exemption into Final Qualifying for The Open.

Tralee’s Mark Gazi faces a tough challenge in his defence of Sunday’s Trade Electric Group-sponsored Castletroy Senior Scratch Cup.

The holder tees off the first with Fota Island’s John Doyle (playing off plus 6.7) and West of Ireland champion Mark Cadden in a strong 78-man field.

Demand for spots in the field was so strong that 30 players are on the waiting list.

Munster Stroke Play champion Paul Coughlan goes out just ahead of Gazi’s. Group with 2025 West of Ireland winner Dylan Holmes from Greystones and Castletroy hope Dean McMahon.

McMahon will be high on confidence after he shot a course record, six-under 66 in his second round en route to a play-off win over Castletroy’s Andrew McCormack at the first tie hole in the inaugural Limerick Scratch Cup last weekend.

McCormack is also in action, as are former Irish Amateur Close champions Pat Murray and Quentin Carew.

Castletroy Senior Scratch Cup, sponsored by Trade Electric Group, Sunday 14 June

Draw for shotgun starts at 9 am and 2.30 pm

• 1(A) Paul Coughian (Castleknock), Dylan Holmes (Greystones), Dean McMahon (Castletroy)

• 1(B) Mark Gazi (Tralee), John Doyle (Fota Island), Mark Cadden (Roganstown)

• 2 Jason Rackard (Bundody), Eoin Murphy (Dundalk), Pat Murray (Adare)

• 3 Tom Clancy (Castletroy), Neil Patterson (Baltinglass), Luke Cunningham (Galway Bay)

• 4 Robbie Walsh (Kinsale), Paraic McGrath (Galway Bay), Barry Howlin (The Heritage)

• 5(A) David Kelly (Millicent), Peter McKeever (Castle), John Kavanagh Jnr (Castletroy)

• 5(B) Jack Walsh (Kinsale), Eanna Mulhare (Birr), Fearghal O’Connell (Castletroy)

• 6 Frank Hackett (Castletroy), William Walshe (Delgany), Paddy Hussey (Castletroy)

• 7(A) Cormac O’Muirithe (Belmullet), Patrick Bermingham (Castletroy), Morgan O’Sullivan (Ballyneety)

• 7(B) Jordan Boles (Carton House), Scott O’Brien (Nenagh), Fergus Harrold (Castletroy)

• 8(A) James O’Callaghan (Ballybunion), Eoin Magill (East Clare), Jack Whelan (Limerick)

• 8(B) Luke Carey (Limerick), Diarmid Murphy (iGolf), Mark Behan (Lee Valley)

• 9 Darren Kelleher (Blarney), John Hadnett (Castletroy), Donnacha Halpin (Shannon)

• 10 Padraig Curry (Castlecomer), Ryan Lyons (Blarney), Sean Joe Rooney (Castleknock)

• 11(A) Ryan Corrigan (Wesport), Cian Adams (Powerscourt), Padraig Porter. (Ballyliffin)

• 11(B) Jason Kiely (Ballyneety), Mark Rowland (Roscrea), James O’Meara (Killarney)

• 12 Colin Woodroofe (Dun Laoghaire). Luke O’Connor (Douglas), Mark Doogue (Castleknock)

• 13 Adam Allabachani (Powerscourt), Gordan Sillett. (Ballykisteen), Ross McKeever (Castle)

• 14(A) Anton O’Callaghan (Tralee), Justin Kehoe (Limerick), Jake McMahon (Nenagh)

• 14(B) Tom Glennon (Kilkenny), James Mitten (Castleknock), Alan Moran (Castle)

• 15 Brian Doran (Millicent), Barry O’Connell (Douglas), Conor Hickey (Dooks)

• 16(A) Dara Neville (Castletroy), John P Dolan (Shannon), Lucas Lyons (Limerick)

• 16(B) Tadgh Murphy (Millicent), Luke McCan (Killarney), Conor Crudden (Newbridge)

• 17(A) David Reddan (Castleknock), Isaac Oliver (Glasson), Quentin Carew (The Heritage)

• 17(B) John William Burke (Ballyhaunis), Morgan Cain (Fota Island), William O’Riordan (Greystones)

• 18 Andrew McCormack (Castletroy), Caelan Coleman (Galway Bay), James Walsh (Kinsale)

Beth Coulter hopes her experience will be a bonus for Great Britain and Ireland in their bid to win the Curtis Cup on US soil for the first time in 40 years.

The Co Down star is the lone Irishwoman in a GB&I side at Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles, looking to follow in the footsteps of the 1986 team, who shocked the USA at Prairie Dunes in Kansas with Ireland's Mary McKenna, Claire Dowling (nee Hourihane) and Lillian Behan in the side.

The Kirkistown Castle and Arizona State University star (22) is one of two returning members of the GB&I side that clinched a heart-stopping one-point win at Sunningdale two years ago, and she admits that winning on US soil would be special.

"To do it once is pretty good, but to do it twice would be incredible," said Coulter, who plans to turn professional later this summer. 

"To be able to get this done on American soil would be pretty cool… It would be amazing to win going into the pro ranks."

Great Britain & Ireland ended a three-match losing streak at Sunningdale, but winning on US soil will be a massive challenge, as Behan recently recalled.

"It was 110 degrees, and we were weighed in every day," she said. "Then I got sunstroke before the singles, and I was playing with towels around my neck, drinking lots of water, the whole lot.

"The heat! Oh, my God. But the whole week was memorable. I even raised the (Irish) flag as well."

Coulter could not have asked for a better debut two years ago, when she was joined in the winning side by Aine Donegan and Sara Byrne, who are now on the Ladies European Tour.

She's hoping her experience will stand to her and her teammates, though it will be difficult with the US side boasting three players who made the cut in last week's US Women's Open at Riviera — world number one Kiara Romero (tied sixth), Asterisk Talley (tied 22nd) and Farah O'Keefe (tied 34th).

"I've definitely been passing on tips," she said. "It's a tough week. It's overwhelming, it's long, and, of course, it's very, very fun. 

"But I think being able to take that familiarity from last year into this year and pass it on even to the younger girls, like Charlotte (Naughton) coming up, she's a good bit younger than us, and putting an arm around her is important. 

"I know that's what Mimi (Rhodes), Sara (Byrne), Aine (Donegan) and Lottie (Woad) and those older girls did for us, and obviously having Catriona and (assistants) Kathryn (Imrie) and Karen (Stupples) back is pretty cool, it's pretty special. 

"They're pretty good at getting us riled up and instilling that belief in us."

As for the course, she admits that Bel-Air Country Club will require lots of strategy. 

"I think it's probably a little different than what it was in November [when we visited as a group], but it's been great to be back here, really nice over the last couple of days to practice and really get ready. 

"I think the greens are probably a little different to what I've played at college, a little firmer. I think it's probably a little bit trickier, even from the front to the back is a little different. 

"The back's a little bit more intricate; you can't really stand up and smash drivers. There are a couple more wedges to use on the front, but the course is absolutely insane. The greens are really fast, even today, and we're really excited."

Captain Matthew will be key for the visitors, and Coulter knows she can be a difference-maker for them.

"I think it's just the way Catriona talks, it's her positivity," she said. "It's the belief that she instils in you. It's so cool to be around someone like her, and she's so good at passing it on. I think that was one of the things that happened at Sunningdale. 

"We all came in a little bit timid, and the Americans on paper were a lot better. I think our belief grew and grew as the week went on, and I think there's a little bit of that this week."

Coulter plans to play in "a couple of pro events" as an amateur and then return to the team fold by competing in the European Ladies' Team Championship at PGA National Slieve Russell in Co Cavan in July:

"To play in the European teams in Ireland is going to be pretty special," she said. "To get to do this this week, obviously in a year where I'm turning pro, and then doing that in Ireland is cool. 

"I'll then hopefully turn pro just before the Women's Irish Open [in August]. You look at the Irish girls out on the Ladies European Tour right now, they're all kind of travelling together, and that's the girls I grew up with. 

"I grew up playing team sports, so it's something that I've always kind of held close to me, being around people. So, I think weeks like this are my most favourite. I'm really looking forward to it this week."

The Curtis Cup gets underway on Friday with morning fourballs, followed by afternoon foursomes on Friday and Saturday before the singles on Sunday.

Shane Lowry is hoping to jumpstart his stalled season at the RBC Canadian Open and head to next week's US Open with a spring in his step.

The Offaly man joins Pádraig Harrington and Séamus Power at TPC Toronto, desperate for a result that Paul McGinley reckons he needs to bury the ghosts of Sunday disappointments this year.

Final-round mistakes cost the 2019 Open champion a chance to win the Dubai Invitational, the Cognizant Classic, and potentially the Masters.

But Lowry is motivated to put those behind him in Canada and win for the first time in front of his youngest daughter, Ivy.

"It's gotten a bit slow," Lowry said of his season so far. "I had a good start to the year, and I certainly need something to kind of jump start the rest of my year, and there wouldn't be a better week than this, so hopefully it happens this week.

"I've always loved coming up to Canada, you know. I think it's a great time of year to come here and get in a really good tournament week before the US Open as well. 

"I've played pretty well here over the years and remember having a little bit of a chance here coming down the last few holes last year, so hopefully I can do it again this year and give myself a chance."

His eldest, Iris, saw him win at Portrush, so he's keen now to lift a trophy for Ivy.

"They're here this week," Lowry said.  "At the Cognizant. I was probably most devastated for that reason, especially for my little one. She's never been there when I've won a tournament, so t's a big motivation of mine. 

"That's the reason I get up every morning, and they're here this week. I'm only a couple of miles down the road, so it'd be easy."

McGinley believes Lowry can be a factor at Shinnecock Hills and reckons a good result is all he needs to get back to his best.

"Shane's always a great links player, we know that," McGinley said in a teleconference to promote USA Sport's US Open coverage. 

"He's very good in the wind, but he has not shown much form since he had that finish in the Cognizant.

"I think that's affected him psychologically. He hasn't quite got back on the horse yet. But I think he will. 

"It's just a question of getting confidence through the validation of better results, but he's certainly going to be a factor in the style of conditions that we're going to have."

As for Harrington, Rory McIlroy and 46-year-old Graeme McDowell, McGinley was upbeat about their US Open hopes.

While McIlroy is not driving the ball well, McGinley reckons the wider fairways that await him at Shinnecock Hills could play into his hands.

"I think he was in the bottom 10 per cent of fairways hit at the PGA Championship, and still finished top 10, and second last [from the tee] at the Masters and won, so he's finding ways of doing it," McGinley said. 

"What he's proved over the last few years is he's much better than he's ever been at playing difficult golf courses. He used not to have the patience to be able to do that."

As for 54-year-old Harrington, who tied for 18th in the US PGA, McGinley reckons the veteran will relish the conditions if he's putting well.

"I walked nine holes with him at the PGA Championship, and I don't think I've ever seen him hit the ball as well, including when he was at his very best in winning majors," he said. 

"He'll love the fact that it's probably going to be a windy, firm, fast golf course.

"I don't know a whole lot about Graeme's game, as he's playing on LIV, but we know the style of player he is.

"Being from Portrush, he's going to love it. He's a very good links player, a good chipper and putter, and a great, great competitor. 

"So, who knows what the golfing gods have in store for him as he comes into the twilight of his career."

Meanwhile, Leona Maguire will bid to get back on track after her US Women's Open disappointment when she partners American Lindy Duncan in the Dow Championship in Michigan.

The Co Cavan star missed the cut at Riviera, but she'll relish the team aspect at Midland Country Club, where players will play foursomes and fourballs with the top 33 teams making the cut.

Lauren Walsh, fresh from her career-best third-place finish in the ShopRite LPGA two weeks ago, makes her debut in the event alongside Celine Herbin of France.

On the HotelPlanner Tour, Ronan Mullarney, Max Kennedy, Liam Nolan, John-Ross Galbraith, Gary Hurley and James Sugrue tee it up in the HotelPlanner Tour's Interwetten Open in Austria.

Speculation about big-name announcements is part and parcel of every Amgen Irish Open build-up, but when the venue is Trump International Golf Links Ireland – Doonbeg, there’s only one name driving interest — US President Donald Trump.

While two-time Irish Open winner Jon Rahm looks likely to confirm his return after a seven-year absence and Bryson DeChambeau has not yet been ruled out for what could be a mouth-watering battle with Rory McIlroy and Co, there is no confirmation yet that President Trump will be at his west Clare resort from September 10-13.

Golf-mad Trump wants to be there, but all that was confirmed at the official media day is that, should he make the trip, the already significant disruption to the local community will increase exponentially.

“I suppose the main question is President Trump,” the resort’s General Manager Joe Russell admitted.  “We have no confirmation of that yet.  We do know he wants to come, but the way the world is, you never know what's going to happen.  But we have not received any confirmation yet.”

A total attendance of around 75,000 is expected to swarm over links, which has been transformed twice since it opened in 2002 and will offer the likes of defending champion McIlroy and Major-winning stars like Shane Lowry and Pádraig Harrington a 6,950-yard par-70 test with the redesigned first, the new 18th hole and a revamp to all 54 bunkers the biggest recent changes

Park and ride will be the order of the day in this remote corner of west Clare, but should the US President decide to drop in to press the flesh, even briefly, Russell and his staff believe the community will welcome the chaos that accompanies a political figure who was roundly booed when he became the first sitting US president to attend the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

“I can't speak for the entire community, but I say this, based on the reaction which I'm having since the announcement [of the event coming], I think people are welcoming the disruption, you know, whatever shape that's going to take,” he said.

“The situation as relates to President Trump, there's nothing we can do to control what's going on in the world. But one thing I can say to you is that since the Trump Organisation has taken over this resort, it's been an upward trend, the people in the community who are benefiting, both socially and economically and every other way from the resort, there's a very positive vibe here towards the Trump Organisation, and that's as much as we can control.”

Whatever happens with President Trump, it’s clear that this year’s Irish Open will have a very strong field with Masters champion McIlroy set to defend his title against a field that already includes Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Seamus Power, Tom McKibbin, Luke Donald, Tyrrell Hatton, the Hojgaard twins and the likely presence of Rahm, who will be keen to match Seve Ballesteros and win a third title.

“The Amgen Irish Open is one of the preeminent national opens on the Tour,” said Championship Director Paul Gillmon.

“Sunday, we are sold out, and Saturday gets close to that and pushes into the midweek as well. I'm anticipating as strong an attendance as we've had in the past few years.”

As for Trump, Gillmon believes interest in McIlroy and Co will win the day in the end, whatever transpires.

“Obviously, the question is very valid,” he said of the divisiveness Trump creates.

“People have opinions. I think in this particular instance, the curiosity of seeing all the changes to the Doonbeg golf course.

“A strong driver, I think if Rory keeps doing what he's doing and people want to see him come back and defend his Irish Open, for everyone that was there at The K Club, the scenes around 18 were pretty incredible for an Irish Open. I think that's what's driving the impact of Irish golf, irrespective of any associations that you agree or disagree.

“I think golf is the thing that's winning, and seeing one of the top links golf courses in Ireland hosting an Irish Open is fantastic.”

As for the links, redesigned by Dr Martin Hawtree in 2016, the par-five first and 13th holes will become par fours while the new18th is a big improvement on its predecessor.

“The amount of work done in three or four months was astronomical,” said Head of Golf, Brian Shaw, who reckons Rahm would love the challenge.

“Seve has won three Irish Opens,” he said. “Jon Rahm around here would be phenomenal, a great watch, as obviously would be Shane and Rory.

“But I think Rahm would absolutely love this place. His shot‑making, things like that. He has such a touch around the greens, and I personally think he’d be one of the biggest draws if we managed to get him.”

Lahinch is expecting a star-studded field for the 124th South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship with a host of potential Walker Cup stars expected to tee it up from July 22-26.

Great Britain and Ireland captain Dean Robertson will name his ten-man side after the championship, and he’s made it clear that a big performance in the ‘South’ will be worth its weight in gold when it comes to making the team to face the USA at Lahinch from September 5-6.

"I'm looking for form players, looking for winners in the team," Robertson said. "Who's to say the winner of the South of Ireland isn't a Walker Cup player this year?”

Co Louth’s Stuart Grehan, who won the ‘South’ in 2015 and recently captured the East of Ireland, will be among the home players fancied to make Robertson’s side.

Grehan followed in the footsteps of previous South of Ireland winners such as John Burke, JB Carr, Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell, when he joined clubman Gavin Tiernan in the Great Britain and Ireland side that lost to the USA at Cypress Point last year.

Pierse Motors Volkswagen will continue its sponsorship of Ireland’s oldest Championship.

Gary Pierse, Managing Director of Pierse Motors, said: “Our partnership with Lahinch Golf Club and the South of Ireland Championship has gone from strength to strength over the past ten years and we are delighted to continue to support this prestigious tournament.

“I am sure this year’s championship will be another huge success, especially with it being played just five weeks out from the Walker Cup.”

John Gleeson, Captain of Lahinch Golf Club, added, “The members of Lahinch, and the entire local community, always look forward to the week of the South.

“Last year’s championship was one of the most memorable ever, with our own Jonathan Keane becoming the first homegrown player to win the South in 57 years. ]

“With the Walker Cup following fast on the heels of the South, this year’s championship field promises to be one of the best ever assembled.”

The closing date for entries is midnight on Wednesday, 24 June, and Dave Prendergast, Chairperson, Munster Region Golf Ireland, is excited about what’s in store.

“The South of Ireland Championship is one of the oldest and most prestigious championships in the world and we wish all the competitors well when the tournament commences in a few weeks,’ he said.

“The roll of honour of past winners truly reflects the high esteem in which the South of Ireland is held by both the players and supporters of amateur golf.”

Nelly Korda horseshoed in a par putt from just under three feet to claim the 81st US Women's Open at storied Riviera Country Club and claim her second Major win in a row.

"A nice ice cream swirl to cap off the day," Korda said after a dramatic final day in Los Angeles. "Why did I leave myself such a long putt?"

She closed with a two-under 69 to win on eight-under 276 — the same total that gave Ben Hogan the US Open at the same venue in 1948 in his comeback from a near-fatal car crash — to edge out England's Charley Hull and Mexico's Gaby Lopez by one stroke.

A year after tying for second at Erin Hills, 27-year-old Hull took the outright lead for the first time when she knocked in a nine-foot birdie on the par-five 17th before going on to hole out from two feet 10 inches for her 19th LPGA win, the first two majors of 2026 and her fourth Major victory.

It was a thrilling end to a dramatic final day that saw Hull follow a Saturday 65 with a 67 to set the target before Lopez birdied the last from 15 feet to shoot 68 and join the English star at seven under.

In the end, Hull had to settle for her fifth Major Championship runner-up finish.

In Gee Chun, the 2015 champion, got to nine under through 11 holes before back-to-back bogeys on the 12th and 13th derailed her bid for a fourth major, and she finished solo fourth on six under. 

"When I entered the back nine, all [caddie Jason McDede] and I were talking about was one shot at a time," said Korda, who was tied for 56th after a first-round 73. 

"Not getting too ahead of myself. Not looking at the leaderboard, seeing what other people were doing. It was just a shot at a time."

Korda's driving improved dramatically over the weekend thanks to a grip change suggested by her sister Jessica. But it was her short game that won her the title.

"My most stressful part of the golf course [was] on Thursday," Korda said. "I just kept hitting these drives out right, out right, and out right, and I kept telling J, I can't compete on this golf course if I'm not in the fairway. 

"Like you cannot stop it on these greens. Am I just going to continuously just depend on my short game? Which I did throughout the whole week"? I did depend on my short game."

Her birdie at the 17th, where he fist pumped after making her nine-footer for birdie, left her needing par at the 18th to win.

She hit a brilliant drive and found the green, but left her 35-footer far shorter than she wanted.

"I wish that putt was closer," Korda joked. "It makes it really cool to walk up to see the iconic golf, the clubhouse and everyone sitting around cheering me on. 

"I had to, honestly, a couple of times, tell myself, okay, stay in the moment, stay in the moment, because I was dreaming, I was dreaming of hoisting the trophy a little too early. And I kept reverting back, I'm like the job's not done, the job's not done, yeah."

Rory McIlroy saw positive signs but headed back to London last night, insisting he still has work to do to be ready for the US Open at Shinnecock Hills.

The Masters champion closed with a four-under 68 to tie for 12th on four under in the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village, eight shots behind JT Poston (72) who beat Ryan Gerard (68) with a par at the second play-off hole..

While he didn’t quite achieve his goal of contending for Jack Nicklaus’ tournament, he will spend the next six days working at his Wentworth base to get ready for the third Major of the season at a venue where diabolical green complexes will be a challenge.

“It was sort of like two steps forward, one step back,” the world number two said after a round that began with five birdies in his first six holes before petering out.

“I actually felt like I played some of my best golf on Friday afternoon, and we just got tough conditions, and it was just hard coming in.

“Then yesterday, I felt like I left a few out there, and then today as well, after the fast start, it would have been nice to keep that going, but I wasn't quite able to keep the momentum that I had on that front nine.

“But overall, not a bad week, got some good stuff out of it, and you know, I've got a week to prep and get ready for Shinnecock.”

The world number two started with three birdies in a row, parred the fourth, then birdied the fifth and sixth before dropping a shot at the par five seventh when his attempted recovery from greenside rough went straight under the ball and barely moved.

Another shot went at the short 12th before he followed a birdie at the 14th with four pars to finish.

Picking out the positives, he said: “I’d say my iron play was better, wedge play was good. Off the tee still wasn't where I want it to be.

“Thankfully, the fairways at Shinnecock are a little wider than they are here, so I still need to work on how I'm hitting it off the tee, but everything else, putting, felt pretty good for the most part.

“As I said, iron play and wedges were pretty nice, so I’ll just try to keep getting a little bit better each and every day, heading into Shinnecock.”

As for his driving, he said: “I get a little bit underneath it, and then I'll release it, and then it'll overturn a little bit. I have to have to try to get the club back out in front of me, but then when it gets out in front of me, if I do get it there, then it's about having the right release pattern on the way through.”

It was a case of what might have been in Ohio for Shane Lowry, who closed with a one-over 73 to finish on one under par.

The Clara man birdied the fifth and sixth before making an eagle three at the seventh following a sensational 250-yard approach to just 11 feet.

A top 10 finish was on the cards but he lost momentum around the turn, dropping four shots in a row from the eighth and another with a three-putt at the par-three 16th to finish tied foe 22nd on one under.

Athenry golfer David Kitt secured his first championship win in the Murray Timber Group Connacht Men’s Stroke Play Championship at Galway Golf Club.

The 26-year-old, who finished tied for third in this event when it was played in Portumna in 2024, is the first Galwegian to claim the Connacht Stroke Play since Sam Murphy three years ago.

Kitt had a near miss at this venue in 2017 when he lost out to Jamie Fletcher (Warrenpoint) in the final of the AIG Irish Men’s Amateur Close Championship.

But a couple of weeks after a Barton Shield success in Galway, and despite a double-bogey opening hole, he followed up a brace of 68s with a 70 for a one-under par total and a one-shot victory.

“Nothing changed (after the first), it was just one hole,” said Kitt.

“I knew I had time and the conditions were tough, I’d been striking the ball well all week. I knew if I just stuck to doing that, I’d been in the shake up.

“And it means everything, that’s why we’re practising. It’s a first championship win at any level. I’m delighted.

“There was great support from Athenry and the locals around here too.”

Bangor golfer Lewis Gowdy looked to have played himself out of contention with a disappointing 76 in the second round on Friday, but he bounced back this morning.

He began his round with a birdie at the first and had four more on his front nine, before two on his back nine for a stunning round of 63 and the clubhouse lead on level par.

Kitt was one shot behind at that stage, he began with that double-bogey and despite a bogey at the fifth, he was able to steady things on the front nine.

He had five straight pars until birdies at 12 and 13 and that separated him at the summit, with two putts enough to secure the win on the 18^thgreen.

“We won the Barton Shield here two weeks ago, so to do the double is great,” said Kitt.

“Over the years between Inter-Club and other championships, Galway is such a great venue and they’re always willing to host championships, which is brilliant.

“The course was in such great condition, it’s a pleasure to play.”

View the final scores here

Thirteen golfers will benefit from grants worth more than €375,000 via the 2026 Golf Ireland Professional Scheme, funded by Sport Ireland.

Each of the 13 players will receive €30,000 to support them in becoming established players on the main international tours, such as the European Tour, Ladies European Tour, US PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour.

This year’s beneficiaries include Lauren Walsh, Sara Byrne, Conor Purcell, Max Kennedy, Mark Power, Annabel Wilson, James Sugrue, Anna Foster, Áine Donegan, Ronan Mullarney, David Carey, John Ross Galbraith and Liam Nolan.

Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue said: “I would like to congratulate and wish all thirteen players selected for the scheme the very best of luck for this year and beyond.

“May you all go on to great success in your careers in professional golf. I believe it vitally important that we continue to invest in sport at all levels, and that we support projects such as the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme to enable our elite, high performance golfers to excel in their chosen field.”

 Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly said: “This funding is vital for enabling our players to perform at the highest level around the world. We are excited to see where their seasons lead and the role they will play in inspiring future generations of golfers in Ireland. The support from Sport Ireland helps them to reach their goals.”

Golf Ireland High Performance Director Neil Manchip said: “We are delighted to receive the funding from Sport Ireland to support our professional programme. It goes a long to help the development of our professionals making their way in the various tours.”

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “Sport Ireland's investment in the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme reflects our commitment to ensuring Irish athletes have the resources they need to compete at the highest level. Over 25 years, we have seen this scheme deliver real results on the world stage, and the 13 golfers benefiting in 2026 represent the continuing strength of Irish golf at international level.”

Golf Ireland Professional Mark Power said: “The Golf Ireland Pro Scheme provides me with great support throughout the season. The funding and access to invites is a massive help toward giving myself the best opportunity to compete throughout the year.”

Golf Ireland Professional Sara Byrne said: “The Golf Ireland Pro Scheme has been a massive help with the transition from amateur to pro. The financial aid has been a massive part, as that is the number one thing to have to take care of with travelling expenses. The availability to coaching is also a great for whatever sort of help we need.”

With the Ryder Cup returning to Ireland next year, the Government has committed €8.5m in financial support for key professional golf tournaments, including the Amgen Irish Open, KPMG Women’s Irish Open, HotelPlanner Tour, and OFX Irish Legends Tour events, enhancing Ireland’s profile on the international stage.

Sport Ireland has provided funding to the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme since 1999. The scheme also gives players direct funding, assistance with tournament invitations, access to support staff, and access to the state-of-the-art facilities at the Golf Ireland Academy.

Golf Ireland Pro Scheme members can also avail of warm weather training facilities, mentoring from current or former tour professionals and sports medical support through Sport Ireland.

In the time since the Scheme was established more than €5m in grants has been allocated to almost 120 aspiring young golfers.

For more information on the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme visit the Golf Ireland website here.

Full criteria for the scheme can also be found here.

Esker Hills golfer Ella Cantwell said it was the culmination of a lot of hard work as she became the inaugural winner of the West of Ireland Women’s Amateur Open Championship.

The 17-year-old Offaly native equalled the course record with her opening round 65 yesterday morning and she closed out her third round with eight birdies in a brilliant 67.

Scores

Cantwell finished eight shots clear of Hannah Lee-McNamara (Royal Portrush) and Aideen Walsh (Lahinch) on 18-under-par to make history in Castle Dargan.

She now follows in the footsteps of Shane Lowry who claimed the men’s equivalent in Co Sligo in 2008.

“Definitely a nice one to have with Shane, great for the club,” said Cantwell.

“Everyone looks up to Shane in Esker Hills. I’ve got honorary life membership with him this year. It’s just really nice to have him from the club.”

Cantwell began her weekend with a phenomenal 65, which included five birdies and two eagles. She followed that up with a solid second round of 72 and that gave her a one-shot lead ahead of Walsh.

Cantwell did not look fazed during her final round and she pushed on with three birdies around the turn, to move to 15-under-par. It was a sensational surge and Lee-McNamara mounted the biggest challenge with birdies on eight, nine and 12. Lee-McNamara had double-bogeyed the seventh straight after an eagle, which halted her momentum.

But it was Cantwell who took up a four-shot advantage down the closing stretch, that lead became seven when she reeled off three birdies in a row between 12th and 14th holes.

Cantwell birdied 17 too and despite an errant tee shot on the last she recovered to sink the bogey putt and put the seal on an emphatic win.

“I was seeing my coach on Friday and we just fixed something and I started swinging the club pretty well,” said Cantwell.

“My ball was going left and it was because my left hand was too strong, so I weakened it a little bit and just started hitting the ball straight.

“I was coming here to compete, I wanted to play steady golf and try my best to compete at the level that’s here and I did.

“I was delighted with my first round but I knew I still had to go out and play as well as I could and today I fought as hard as I could and I was absolutely delighted.

“It’s nice to see hard work and all that paying off. I’ll definitely enjoy this.”

Pádraig Harrington does not rule out a future Ryder Cup captaincy for LIV Golf rebels like Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood, or Ian Poulter as Luke Donald prepares to face a USA squad out for revenge at Adare Manor next year.

Donald will be looking to become the first man to captain three consecutive winning teams in Co Limerick, where McDowell had hoped to captain Europe before he joined LIV and golf entered a bitter civil war.

Until the rules are changed, McDowell and fellow Ryder Cup stars like Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia remain ineligible for the captaincy, having failed to retain continuous membership of the DP World Tour.

But Harrington is not ruling them out in the future, given the changing landscape in professional golf and LIV's uncertain future following the decision by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to end its funding of the tour at the end of this season.

"Lee Westwood was lined up to take the captaincy after me," he said at his home club, Stackstown, where he shot a career-best, bogey-free six-under 66 to win the €15,000 TileStyle PGA Pro-Am by two strokes from Simon Thornton and Nicky Grant as part of the club's 50th anniversary celebrations.

"You've got Poulter, and you've got Graeme. There would have been a lot of competition there. Time heals a lot, so you know, maybe we'll see those guys and captains down the road."

As for the PGA of America's decision to reappoint losing 2018 captain Furyk for Adare Manor, Harrington believes Europe will do well not to underestimate the American as he tries to lead the USA to its first away win in 34 years.

The former US Open winner (56) was a surprise choice to succeed Keegan Bradley as captain and take the reins again.

"Jim's a great guy, for sure," Harrington said. "I think he's very competitive. He's quite hard. The whole US team wants revenge, and they're definitely going to leave no stone unturned, I would think. 

"Obviously, they can't do much with Adare, so it's all about themselves, how they'll manage themselves. 

"There are some ebbs and flows when it comes to teams. They didn't seem to have their best team last time, which usually means they'll be stronger next time around. 

"Obviously, the separation in the game of golf hasn't helped the US Ryder Cup team figure out who their best players are.

"But in another year's time, they'll have a lot of that figured out, so you certainly wouldn't be underestimating Jim and his team, that's for sure.

"He's a tough, tough, tough character."

Harrington was pleased to escape the practice ground and play competitive golf before heading to the US in a week to see Shinnecock Hills before the US Open, then warm up for the season's third Major at the RBC Canadian Open.

"I was trying hard today," he said at the course where he grew up. "I certainly wanted to break the 69, which I think is the lowest score I've ever shot here. 

"Maybe I need to take a few more risks and beat Michael McDermott's course record of 63, but there was also one side of me making sure that I didn't shoot a high number as well."

In Austria, Kota Kaneko held his nerve to secure his first DP World Tour title at the 2026 Austrian Alpine Open presented by Kitzbühel Tirol.

The 23-year-old, who topped last season's Japan Golf Tour Order of Merit to earn his DP World Tour card, chipped in at the 16th for birdie after a weather delay and carded a three under 67 to win by two shots from Portugal's Ricardo Gouveia and American Davis Bryant on 18 under.

As Bryant bogeyed the 18th to shoot 65 and finish alongside Gouveia on 16 under, Kaneko hit the stands behind the 18th green, but his ball stopped in the thick rough by the water hazard.

"I just can't believe it, I didn't think I would win, and I'm still very surprised," Kaneko said.

"On the 16th, I was just trying to make par. I knew I hit it hard, but it went in, so I was lucky. Sometimes you need things to go your way out there.

'I tried not to think too much about the weather delay after the restart. I managed to calm down and get into a good rhythm, so the stoppage worked out well for me.

"On the 18th, I knew I hit the board, but I knew it didn't go in the water, so I was just happy it didn't find the water."

On the HotelPlanner Tour,  Liam Nolan moved up to 26th in the Road to Mallorca race for 20 DP World Tour cards when he tied for seventh in the Challenge de España at Isla Canela Links.

The Galway man recovered from bogeys at the second and third and shot a four-under 68 to finish five strokes behind South Africa's Ryan van Velzen on 12 under.

James Sugrue shot 70 and Mark Power a 74 to share 44th on four under while Max Kennedy's 76 left him 59th on one-over, a shot better than John-Ross Galbraith, who shot 73.

Kildare’s Lauren Walsh took a massive step towards retaining her LPGA card when she finished a career-best solo third in the ShopRite LPGA powered by Wakefern in New Jersey.

The Castlewarden rookie (25) was languishing at 158th in the Race to CME Globe standings after making just three of her first seven cuts.

But the touring professional for The Island potentially turned her season around at Seaview Hotel & Golf Club near Atlantic City, carding rounds of 70, 69 and 67 to finish just two shots behind France’s Celine Boutier on seven under.

The former Wake Forest University star (25) pocketed $133,34, the biggest cheque of her career, and jumped to 53rd in the Race to CME Globe standings, all but securing top 100 status and her card for 2027.

It was also a positive week for Leona Maguire ahead of this week’s US Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club and also for Stephanie Meadow.

Maguire (31) closed with a bogey-free, three under 68 to finish joint ninth on four under, albeit in one of the weakest events on tour given that Charley Hull, who missed the cut, was the only member of the world's top 10 in action.

It was just her second top 10 of an erratic LPGA season marked by her battle to bed in swing changes she's making with her new coach, Sean Foley.

The Co Cavan star won $38,302 and moved up two spots to 26th in the season-long standings.

Meadow (34) shot 68 to finish 21st on two under to make her first cheque of the season and claim 137th in the standings.

As for Boutier, she came from four shots behind South Korea’s Soo Bin Joo, carding a five under 66 to win by a shot from Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol on nine under.

“To have a chance to win today is definitely something very special," said the 32-year-old French player who won the ShopRite LPGA five years ago.

"I think it's a great tournament, very special for me, so really excited to be able to have another win here."

“I feel like my game has turned around the last few weeks. I could see it coming together, and I definitely did not expect it to come together this week and today.

"But I'm super excited to be back in the winner's circle."