The Best Irish Golfers of All Time

When we think of Ireland’s role in the world of sport, we might think about rugby, Gaelic sports - and obviously horse racing.
After all, the Irish Grand National is one of the most popular events on the Emerald Isle…

However, Ireland has also done well on the golfing green - and has developed some of the most talented and successful golfers in the world.
From major champions to Ryder Cup heroes, there are several Irish-born and bred golfers who have made a huge impact on the sport.
So, with that being said, let’s take a look at the very best Irish golfers of all time.

Rory McIlroy
McIlroy is arguably the most famous Irish golfer of recent times and he’s had an amazing career by anyone’s standards.
Born in Northern Ireland, he’s won lots of major championships - including the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship and The Open Championship. He has spent a lot of time sitting at the top of the pile as the world number one - and he’s always a major player in European Ryder Cup victories.
This is a man with just the right combination of power, precision, and consistency - which is precisely why he has to be considered as one of the greatest golfers Ireland has ever seen.

Pádraig Harrington
We also have to mention Pádraig Harrington, who put Irish golf on the map thanks to his historic back-to-back Open Championship wins in 2007 and 2008, followed up in 2008 by a PGA Championship win.
This golfer became famed for his seriously impressive work ethic - and he has played a massive role in lots of Ryder Cup victories for Team Europe. He’s had an impact on Irish golf that can’t be ignored… and has inspired a whole new generation of Irish players who want to compete at the very highest levels of the sport.

Darren Clarke
Not just a superb player, but a fan favourite - and one of the most charismatic players the sport has ever seen. Darren Clarke is probably best known for that Open Championship victory in 2011 when it all got a bit emotional.
A long-time Ryder Cup team member, he has played a huge role in Europe’s success over the years. With an unwavering resilience and dedication to the sport, he is, no doubt, worthy of a place on the list of Ireland’s greatest-ever golfers.

Graeme McDowell
Next, we have McDowell, who hails from Northern Ireland - and made a name for himself in the world of golf when he won the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach… making him the first European to win the event in no less than 40 years.
But that’s not all… he’s also been a major player in the Ryder Cup matches he’s been part of, delivering the perfect performances when needed, to help Europe lift the cup. With his incredible iron play and that precise putting prowess, he was a major competitor on the world stage.

Christy O’Connor Sr. & Christy O’Connor Jr.
Double trouble here… with Christy O’Connor Sr. and his nephew! Christy O’Connor Sr. was an iconic figure in Irish golf and competed in no less than ten consecutive Ryder Cups - and winning all sorts of professional tournaments.
His nephew, Christy O’Connor Jr., followed in his footsteps - and made his own mark in the sport with that very memorable Ryder Cup shot at The Belfry in 1989. When it comes to Irish golfing excellence, it doesn’t get bigger and better than the O’Connor family.

Paul McGinley
We also have to mention Paul McGinley - and while he may not have won any major championships, he’s made contributions to European golf that can’t be overlooked - particularly in the Ryder Cup, is undeniable.
His moment of glory came when he made the winning putt in the 2002 Ryder Cup - and after that, he went on to captain the victorious 2014 European Ryder Cup team. With his excellent leadership skills, tactics and team spirit, he’s still one of the most respected Irish golfers of all time.
These are just some of the biggest Irish names in the world of golf - with tournament winners and Ryder Cup experts, the Emerald Isle certainly knows how to create experts on the golfing green!



Article Author: Seafy W.S., Freelance Writer. Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not to Where2Golf.com, its writers or editors. The author is speaking solely for himself, not for the company or as a formal representative of the company.