Following a gap of 18 years, the 3 Irish Open will return to Killarney Golf and Fishing Club in County Kerry this year, the tournament also sporting a new date at the end of July having vacated its traditional May slot on The European Tour International Schedule.
Back in 1992, Nick Faldo's triumph was his second in succession in the tournament and the man hoping to follow in his footsteps this year is Ireland's own Shane Lowry. Twelve months ago, the 22 year old became only the third amateur in history - following Pablo Martin and Danny Lee - to win a Tour event but the first to do so on home soil amongst tumultuous scenes of celebration.
Having raised his cap to the galleries as he walked onto the 72nd green to face a three foot putt to win, the young man was soon covering his face with it when he pulled the putt wide.
Rock missed a ten footer at the first play-off hole before the second was shared in birdie four. On the third return, Lowry's tap in for a par five was enough after Rock pitched over the green. Rock had the €500,000 winner's cheque as consolation - Lowry had the joy.
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