9 Famous Irish Golfers

Are you searching for the most famous Irish golfers?

Ireland boasts more than 400 golf clubs, and interestingly, one-third of the world’s natural links courses can be found here. Adding to the golfing heritage, the world’s oldest national golfing union founded in 1891 was the Golfing Union of Ireland.

Suffice it to say, Ireland has produced some of the best players in the history of the game, making Irishmen a force to be reckoned with on the golf course.

Let’s have a look at the 9 most famous Irish golfers you should know.

 

9 Most Famous Irish Golfers

 

1. Rory McIlroy

 

Rory McIlroy, born on May 4, 1989, in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland, is a world-famous golfer who started in the sport at a young age. Going pro in 2007, he’s succeeded on both the European Tour and the PGA Tour, winning four major championships, including the 2011 US Open, 2012 and 2014 PGA Championships, and the 2014 Open Championship.

A true asset to Europe’s Ryder Cup triumphs, McIlroy’s seven appearances speak to his significance in the game. With a world number one title and over 30 tournament victories, his exceptional driving, pinpoint iron play, and masterful putting have set him apart in his chosen sport.

Apart from golf, McIlroy has also made his mark in the charity sector and ventured into diverse business endeavors.

 

2. Shane Lowry

 

Shane Lowry is a professional golfer who is famous for winning the 2019 Open Championship, the Irish Open as an amateur in 2009, and the 2015 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. He’s also been part of four winning Ryder Cup teams.

Born in Clara, County Offaly, Ireland, on April 2, 1987, Lowry started playing golf at Esker Hills Golf Club and attended Athlone Institute of Technology. After a successful amateur career, which included winning the Walker Cup, he turned pro in 2009.

Shane Lowry is recognized for his strong drives and impressive shot-making skills. He’s also known for being a personable man who enjoys sharing his victories with friends and family.

 

3. Darren Clarke

 

Famous Irish golfer Darren Clarke boasts an impressive career with 21 worldwide wins and an 8th-place world ranking. He achieved his lifelong dream by winning the 2011 Open Championship and participated in five victorious Ryder Cups.

Born in Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, on August 14, 1968, Clarke’s career in the sport began at age 11. He turned pro in 1990 and secured his first title at the 1993 Alfred Dunhill Open. His peak came in the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning prestigious tournaments, including two World Golf Championships.

Known for powerful drives and impeccable iron play, Clarke is a fun-loving sportsman who enjoys a Guinness and a cigar. Today, he’s a successful senior golfer with two Champions Tour major wins.

 

4. Padraig Harrington

 

Padraig Harrington is one of Ireland’s most decorated golfers, winning 31 times worldwide and reaching as high as third in the world rankings. He also won three major championships, two Open Championships (2007 and 2008) and one PGA Championship (2008), becoming only the fourth player to win back-to-back Opens since World War II.

Harrington was born in Dublin, Ireland, on August 31, 1971. He started playing golf at the age of four. He turned professional in 1995 after a stellar amateur career that included winning the Walker Cup with Ireland and Great Britain. He won his first title at the 1996 Peugeot Spanish Open and became one of Europe’s leading players.

Harrington’s greatest achievements came in a remarkable span of 13 months between July 2007 and August 2008, when he won three out of six majors he played in. He became Ireland’s first major champion since Fred Daly 60 years earlier when he beat Sergio Garcia in a playoff at Carnoustie in 2007.

5. Graeme McDowell

Graeme McDowell is one of Ireland’s most accomplished golfers, winning 16 times worldwide and reaching as high as fourth in the world rankings. He also won the 2010 US Open, becoming the first European to do so in 40 years, and played in four Ryder Cups, winning three times.

McDowell was born in Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on July 30, 1979, and started playing golf at the age of eight. He turned pro in 2002 after a successful amateur career that included winning the Haskins Award as the best collegiate golfer in the United States.

Graeme McDowell is known for his clutch putting and his gritty determination on the course.

6. Fred Daly

 

Born Frederick J. Daly, in Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on October 11, 1911, Fred Daly was a famous Northern Irish golfer. His claim to fame was winning The Open Championship in 1947 at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, becoming the first Irishman from either side of the border to clinch this title and the first to participate in the Ryder Cup.

Daly’s golf highlights include winning the Irish Open in 1946, the News of the World Match Play three times and participating in four Ryder Cups. He was also a strong contender in the British Open. Additionally, he clinched the Irish Professional Championship three times and the Ulster Professional Championship a remarkable 11 times from 1936 to 1958.

Beyond his impressive golfing record, Fred Daly remains a beloved figure in the history of the sport. A former caddie at Royal Portrush, he developed a deep passion for the game from a young age. His natural talent, combined with a charismatic personality, endeared him to both fellow professionals and fans alike.

7. Christy O’Connor, Sr.

Christy O’Connor, Sr. was one of Ireland’s most celebrated golfers, winning over 40 tournaments worldwide and playing in an unprecedented 10 consecutive Ryder Cups from 1955 to 1973. He also finished third in the Open Championship twice, in 1958 and 1965.

Born Patrick Christopher O’Connor on December 21, 1924, in Knocknacarra, Galway, Ireland, he grew up playing golf with homemade clubs. He turned professional at the age of 26 and won his first Irish PGA Championship in 1951. He went on to win it nine more times.

O’Connor, Sr. was known for his powerful driving and his flair for shot-making. He was also a charismatic and colorful character, who entertained the crowds with his wit and humor. He was nicknamed “Himself” by his fans, who adored him for his passion and pride. He died in Dublin in 2016 at the age of 91.

8. Harry Bradshaw

Harry Bradshaw was one of the pioneers of Irish golf, winning 10 times on the British circuit and twice on the European Tour. In 1937, he proudly represented Ireland in the Triangular Professional Tournament, and the following year, he showcased his skills at the Llandudno International Golf Trophy.

Bradshaw was born in Delgany, County Wicklow, Ireland, on October 9, 1913. He turned professional at the age of 16 and soon became one of the best players in Ireland. He won his first Irish PGA Championship in 1941 and went on to win it nine more times, tying with Christy O’Connor, Sr. for most wins in the said event.

Bradshaw was a popular figure among his fellow golfers and fans, known for his cheerful personality and his generosity. He died in 1990 at the age of 77.

9. Des Smyth

 

Des Smyth was one of the most consistent golfers on the European Tour for over three decades. He played in two Ryder Cups, in 1979 and 1981, and became the oldest player to make a cut in a major championship at the age of 61.

Born Desmond John Smyth in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland, in 1952. He turned pro at the age of 20 and won his first title at the 1979 Sun Alliance Match Play Championship. He enjoyed his best season in 1982, when he won three tournaments.

Smyth was known for his longevity and his accuracy off the tee. He is still active on the senior circuit, winning four times on the European Senior Tour and twice on the Champions Tour.