Ireland loves golf. There are roughly 350 18-hole courses across the country. Some outstanding players from Ireland have left an indelible mark on the world stage of golf. Irish golfers can hold their heads high both in terms of their passion and proficiency when playing in global contests such as the Ryder Cup or winning major titles – and the top Irish golfers have definitely won their fair share of titles.
Golf gives players long careers. It allows them to peak early, stagnate and drop, and then re-emerge. For casual viewers, it can be hard to know who is the best of the moment, let alone of all time. Those who frequently use sportsbooks have access to a useful tool to see the who’s who for a particular tournament – and the top 15 best golf betting sites in Ireland will obviously want a native at the top. Well, over the years, there have been many.
Read on for five of the best Irish golfers of all time.
Rory McIlroy
May 4, 1989, at Holywood, Northern Ireland, Rory McIlroy is arguably the most famous Irish golfer today.
As much as his early fame was exaggerated by media hype, McIlroy lived up to every bit of its expectations by bagging 29 professional wins and staying atop the world rankings for more than one hundred weeks – incredible. He was a force to reckon with immediately after turning pro in 2007 – one of his best title wins because he was only a teenager. At only seventeen, the teenager rose through the amateur ranks to be rated as world number one.
And then he went on to win many more titles. These were none other than the US Open (2011), the PGA Championship (2012), the Open Championship (2014), and another PGA Championship later that same year – the most prestigious golfing titles to win.
That feat puts him among the elite company, alongside only two other greats who managed four majors before age 25, namely Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. Apart from all these successes, Europe won six Ryder Cups with Rory on their team.
We can guarantee that any of the would put Rory to win.
Padraig Harrington
Dublin-born Padraig Harrington turned professional in the mid-1990s and has accumulated over 30 career victories, including three majors.
It wasn’t until Carnoustie hosted the Open Championship in 2007 that he made his breakthrough, becoming the first Irishman to claim the title there sixty years ago. The player also managed another Open Championship trophy in 2008 and won the PGA Championship the same year.
Harrington has enjoyed major championship success and has also stood as one of the most consistent performers on the European and PGA Tours. For his hard work and determination, he is cherished by many people who admire him in Irish golf.
Recently, Harrington’s career has thrived at the senior level, with a triumph at this year’s US Senior Open.
Shane Lowry
Clara-born Shane Lowry kicked off his career as an amateur winner during the 2009 Irish Open. That made him only the third amateur ever to win a European Tour event. Shortly after turning professional, he built on those early successes even further. It was the Portugal Masters in 2012 where he secured his first professional victory, and the Royal Portrush-based Open Championship in 2019 confirmed him as one of Ireland’s best golfers. He also represented Ireland in several Golf World Cups and participated for Europe during Ryder Cup 2021 matches.
This golfer from Offaly is characterised by friendliness and fierce competitiveness all over the globe.
Graeme McDowell
Graeme McDowell, born on July 30, 1979, in Portrush, Northern Ireland, is renowned for winning the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach by a single stroke. This win ended Europe’s forty-year drought of not winning the US Open and propelled McDowell into the global limelight. He’s made his mark with sixteen professional wins, like European Tour and PGA Tour events.
McDowell turned pro in 2002 and instantly stamped his authority by collecting the Volvo Scandinavian Masters trophy as a rookie. He also played essential roles on four Ryder Cup teams, where he clinched vital points needed to win for his team. McDowell’s ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver when it matters most puts him among Ireland’s best golfers.
Darren Clarke
Born on August 14, 1968, in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, Darren Clarke has had a long and successful career as a professional golfer.
One of his best achievements was winning the Open Championship at Royal St George’s in 2011 after two decades of seeing others claim major titles at the competition on fifty-four occasions before himself.
Clarke won twenty-four professional tournaments, including events on the European Tour, PGA Tour and other international circuits. And, from 1997 through 2006, Clarke featured prominently in the Ryder Cup, playing five consecutive times for Europe. In golf circles, Clarke is known for his prodigious ball-striking and warm character.
Ireland boasts many talented golfers whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the game – as you can see. Whether we’re talking about present or past golfers, there’s no denying that this country produces some of the best globally, not only in Ireland. It’ll be exciting to see what future talents from Ireland rise to success in the coming years.
