The recent Dubai Duty Free Irish Open gave us a number of exciting memories. Taking place at the Royal County Downs Golf Club from 28th to 31st May, the event showcased some of the best British talent out there today, including one youngster whose name was the word on everybody’s lips afterwards.

Paul McGinley was forced to withdraw from the Irish Open with back spasms and admitted: ”It’s one of my biggest disappointments in my whole career. Even pulling out of a Major wouldn’t have hurt as much as this.”

Graeme McDowell think Royal County Down could host The Open but he warned: “It can eat you alive.”

Hubert Green said it best. "That hole will beat you up like a bad ol' Momma." 

The par-three seventh at Royal County Down is just 135 yards from the medal tees and only 144 from the blues — a flick of a wedge for even the best of the world in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open yesterday and yet few who played it under the gaze of tournament Director Miguel Vidaor yesterday could carry the bunker hold the green.

Royal County Down's Reeve Whitson will get a chance to put his local knowledge to fantastic use after being handed an invitation for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open on his home track.