[Photo : INPHO]
Philip Walton returns to European Tour action in ten days having benefited from a sponsors invite for the 3 Irish Open at Killarney Hotel and Fishing Club which will tee off on Thursday July 29th.
The three time European Tour winner returns to Killarney nineteen years after securing a share of seventh place finish in 1991 when Sir Nick Faldo won the second of his three Irish Open titles at the Kerry venue.
It was twenty one years ago when the 1995 Ryder Cup hero came closest to matching John O’Leary’s 1982 victory having earned a play off against Ian Woosnam at Portmarnock Golf club in 1989.
“I remember having to play the crowd more than Philip in the play off holes” said Ian Woosnam recently at the Panda Irish Seniors at Carton House, “He was a local hero even then and the crowd were there in large numbers to cheer him on – and I could feel that pressure.”
Having finished level with Woosnam on 10 under par the Malahide man lost out when the Welshman carded a birdie on the first play-off hole on the 18th green.
Padraig Harrington eventually took over the mantle from John O'Leary winning the Irish Open at Adare Manor in 2007. This was followed by Shane Lowry last year at the 3 Irish Open at the County Louth Golf Club in Baltray.
“It’s great to get the chance to return to Killarney once again and I am delighted with the opportunity the sponsor have given me,” explained Walton on hearing the news, “I was told there was an outside chance this year but didn’t want to get ahead of myself – so really delighted it has been confirmed. All the work I have been doing recently has proven worthwhile.”
“I remember having to play the crowd more than Philip in the play off holes” said Ian Woosnam recently at the Panda Irish Seniors at Carton House, “He was a local hero even then and the crowd were there in large numbers to cheer him on – and I could feel that pressure.”
Having finished level with Woosnam on 10 under par the Malahide man lost out when the Welshman carded a birdie on the first play-off hole on the 18th green.
Padraig Harrington eventually took over the mantle from John O'Leary winning the Irish Open at Adare Manor in 2007. This was followed by Shane Lowry last year at the 3 Irish Open at the County Louth Golf Club in Baltray.
“It’s great to get the chance to return to Killarney once again and I am delighted with the opportunity the sponsor have given me,” explained Walton on hearing the news, “I was told there was an outside chance this year but didn’t want to get ahead of myself – so really delighted it has been confirmed. All the work I have been doing recently has proven worthwhile.”
“Over the last few weeks it has made me play the last few Irish PGA events with more focus and my scores haven’t been too bad either as I am striking the ball well at the moment.”
“So unlike some other years perhaps, I’m looking forward to the event this year because I feel better prepared and grateful for the opportunity to play the Irish Open once again.”
Over the past ten years Philip Walton’s best finish at the Irish Open was in 2000 when he ended in ten way tie for 10th place in a group that included Angel Cabrera, Bernhard Langer, Sergio Garcia, Jose-Maria Olazabal, Adam Scott and Jarmo Sandelin.
“So unlike some other years perhaps, I’m looking forward to the event this year because I feel better prepared and grateful for the opportunity to play the Irish Open once again.”
Over the past ten years Philip Walton’s best finish at the Irish Open was in 2000 when he ended in ten way tie for 10th place in a group that included Angel Cabrera, Bernhard Langer, Sergio Garcia, Jose-Maria Olazabal, Adam Scott and Jarmo Sandelin.
Since then though Walton has missed the cut five times including last year’s event at the 3 Irish Open at Baltray.
In 2008 Walton did not participate when he qualified for The Open Championship at Carnoustie.
In 2008 Walton did not participate when he qualified for The Open Championship at Carnoustie.
