The 140th Open Championship

[Bogball XV]

Realistically they should host a regular tournament on the tour first before trying a major.

If it went well then they would be in a stronger position.

Irish Open? (I'm 50% serious)

they hosted 5 or 6 senior opens in the late 90's and early 00's.

[Orior]

I'm working on a Hollywood joke involving Wood and Holly, but i aint getting it. Neither is she.

[Tubberman]

McIlroy just tweeted this - not bad 

[stephenite]

Delighted for Clarke-but something is bothering me about the media reaction, or rather lack thereof to him showing up pissed to the press conference the next morning.

I personally don't have a problem with it, but if an All Ireland winning GAA captain pulled the same stunt there would be uproar, radio phone in's would go into meltdown and the whole 'they're role models and won't someone think of the children' would be trotted out.

What's the difference here, why the hypocrisy? 

[thewobbler]

Stephenite, I think you're being a bit paranoid. There's always a few GAA folk not making a lot of sense in the City West / Burlington after an AI final. The rugger boys are routinely filmed having too much. Tommy Bowe after the grand slam? Ireland soccer going on the lash with journalists during the 2002 WC? 

[stephenite]

Maybe so, fair enough.

[laoislad]

What i am saying, is questioning the statement  "Judging from Arlene Foster's input to Talkback yesterday negotiations seem to be at an advanced stage to bring the Irish Open to Portrush in the next couple of years.", when at the same time the R&A  said yesterday they would look at the idea again in the autumn.

One is saying that they would consider the prospect while another gives the impression its at an advaced stage.

Does Arlene have no qualms about hosting the Irish Open in what she would construe as British territory? Is it the Northern Irish Open?

Newcastle has a worse infrastructure than Portrush so let's forget that. Nothing wrong with flattening Cushendall and adding another 9 holes to the existing course.

Will this Arlene one have any problem with the Tri colour flying atop  whichever course is chosen club house? It will still be the Irish open after all.

[whitegoodman]

That is a very interesting question!

Are they happy to be see Ireland as one for the likes of Golf or Rugby but not soccer?  Hate bringing politics into this type of thing but it will be interesting to see how this pens out.

[AQMP]

What i am saying, is questioning the statement  "Judging from Arlene Foster's input to Talkback yesterday negotiations seem to be at an advanced stage to bring the Irish Open to Portrush in the next couple of years.", when at the same time the R&A  said yesterday they would look at the idea again in the autumn.

One is saying that they would consider the prospect while another gives the impression its at an advaced stage.

Does Arlene have no qualms about hosting the Irish Open in what she would construe as British territory? Is it the Northern Irish Open?

Newcastle has a worse infrastructure than Portrush so let's forget that. Nothing wrong with flattening Cushendall and adding another 9 holes to the existing course.

Will this Arlene one have any problem with the Tri colour flying atop  whichever course is chosen club house? It will still be the Irish open after all.

This Arlene would have a huge problem with the Tricolour flying (unless it was at the top of a bonfire).  If this comes to pass expect to see the GUI flag flying (or something similar)

[TacadoirArdMhacha]

Delighted for Clarke-but something is bothering me about the media reaction, or rather lack thereof to him showing up pissed to the press conference the next morning.

I personally don't have a problem with it, but if an All Ireland winning GAA captain pulled the same stunt there would be uproar, radio phone in's would go into meltdown and the whole 'they're role models and won't someone think of the children' would be trotted out.

What's the difference here, why the hypocrisy?

The one thing I would say is that the All Ireland final last year occured in the midst of the contoversy over Brian Cowen's few pints. I was listening to RTE radio one on the MOnday morning and a presenter made the point that members of the Cork team and management had been on the radio earlier and despite the fact that there was no doubt drink taken the night before, they were remarkably clear and articulate.

[Ulick]

McIlroy just tweeted this - not bad 

What's Ziggy doing up there?

[Gaoth Dobhair Abu]

What i am saying, is questioning the statement  "Judging from Arlene Foster's input to Talkback yesterday negotiations seem to be at an advanced stage to bring the Irish Open to Portrush in the next couple of years.", when at the same time the R&A  said yesterday they would look at the idea again in the autumn.

One is saying that they would consider the prospect while another gives the impression its at an advaced stage.

Does Arlene have no qualms about hosting the Irish Open in what she would construe as British territory? Is it the Northern Irish Open?

Newcastle has a worse infrastructure than Portrush so let's forget that. Nothing wrong with flattening Cushendall and adding another 9 holes to the existing course.

Will this Arlene one have any problem with the Tri colour flying atop  whichever course is chosen club house? It will still be the Irish open after all.

This Arlene would have a huge problem with the Tricolour flying (unless it was at the top of a bonfire).  If this comes to pass expect to see the GUI flag flying (or something similar)

If they want the IRISH open then they can bloody well fly the proper flag!

[gerrykeegan]

http://a1.img.mobypicture.com/2d99e4a8de1d6cef3ca19fdb7dfca914_new_medium.jpg

G MAC rory and big D on the blackstuff

[AZOffaly]

Fair play to big Darren, and the other lads, and it is nice to see them as normal felllas. Does anyone think there'd be a different reaction though if the Kerry or Cork or Tyrone or whomever lads were constantly pictured with pints and fags or cigars after winning an All Ireland?

[Puckoon]

Yes - because many GAA fans feel an ownership of their county players. These boys are out celebrating - and are well above any criticism that would be leveled at them - and I wish that the county players would be treated as such also.