*Photograph: Getty Images
Saturday’s third round of the DDF Irish Open at Lahinch reached capacity crowds, the first time the event has done so since 2012 at Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Fans streamed through the gates of Lahinch to see Robert Rock take the clubhouse lead and threatening to card just the second 59 in European Tour history as he hit a ten under par 60. Tramore’s Robin Dawson allong with Rafa Cabrera Bello and world number eleven Jon Rahm also fought their way into contention.
Tournament host, Paul McGinley said, “The 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open has surpassed all of my expectations, and anyone who has spoken to me throughout this process will know I had set my expectations very high. We have created a festival of golf of which I have rarely seen in my decades of attending and playing in this event.
“I would like to thank all of the fans who have contributed to such an unforgettable occasion thus far and I am sure the remainder of the weekend will produce the kind of drama and noise for which this tournament has become renowned.”
A total of 11,083 fans turned out on Pro-Am day to watch pop star Niall Horan, former Irish rugby captain Paul O’Connell and ex Champion jockey AP McCoy among many other celebrities take on the famous Old Course at Lahinch. The huge crowds continued on Thursday as 16,228 spectators descended on the sun-drenched links, while Friday’s second round saw crowds of 18,841.
On Saturday, the venue reached full capacity and the Box Office closed midway through the day with 20,097 having come through the gates.
Limited tickets are still available for Sunday and fans are advised to purchase online in advance here to avoid missing out.
