European Open Update:Hail Marys, Rosary Beads, horseshoes, or whatever lucky charms come to hand, grab a hold quickly and work what magic they possess as professional golf tournaments in Ireland are in dire need of a serious ray of sunlight. The Smurfit Kappa European Open at the K-Club becomes the latest event to be plagued by the vagaries of inclement Irish weather.
This week's European Tour pit-stop returns to the venue of last
September's Ryder Cup heroics, albeit on the other side of the
River Liffey and contested over the newer Smurfit Course. Despite
best efforts
from officials and greenstaff this tournament has already
succumbed to the pressures of heavy downpours.
The 18th is normally a classic risk-reward dogleg par five measuring 578yards from the back tees. But with so much rain the lay-up area has become saturated and unplayable. It means the hole has now been reduced to a 162-yard par three, which in turn reduces the par from 72 to 70. So wet is the entire course that placing of one club length - not the usual six inches - is used on all fairways.
Professional tournaments in Ireland have been jinxed in recent years and, no matter how great the endeavour, if the heavens open there is little anyone can do against the elements. Carton House had two very unlucky stints as host to the Irish Open in 2005 and 2006. Adare Manor had its share of undesirable conditions while this tournament is no stranger to squelching pathways and patrons in soaking wet gear.
That said, there is still a prestigious tournament to be won here and no less than a €593,580 winner's cheque to be had. This year Ulster Bank have continued their generosity by providing free entry to the public today and some 30,000 free tickets have been issued.
As for the golf, conditions haven't curtailed the quality on show. The lead is currently held by Maarten Lafeber from The Netherlands on six-under. The 33-year-old, whose only Tour win was in his national open in 2003, carded a flawless round with six birdies and no dropped shots after starting at the 10th.
Lafeber leads by one shot from England's Robert Rock, Sweden's Niclas Fasth and India's Jyoti Randawha, who all shot 65.
It's customary fashion these days for Padraig Harrington to start a week in Europe as the highest ranked player in the world and, at number 10 in the standing, this time is no different. He is also the bookie's favourite to win his second title on home soil after capturing the Irish Open in May. But newly crowned US Open champion Angel Cabrera may have something to say about that. The Argentine is playing alongside Paul McGinley in the group behind Harrington.
The trio are among the afternoon starters and had only taken to the course. Harrington was level through three holes, while Cabrera bogeyed his opening hole and McGinley started with two bogeys.
There was good news for Graeme McDowell as he opened with a solid one-under 69 to carry on the good form which saw him win the International Open Qualifying in Sunningdale at the start of the week to ensure his place at Carnoustie.
Philip Walton rallied on the back nine with a couple of birdies to get back to level par while playing partner and Irish PGA Order of Merit winner, Simon Thornton, was four over with three holes to play. Michael Hoey was having a torrid time to be six over with four holes to play.
Damien McGrane, Gary Murphy and Peter Lawrie have still to take to the course.
