Amgen Irish Open 2025 Preview, Picks & Analysis

Rory McIlroy is the star attraction at this week’s Irish Open as he returns in determined mood to avenge the defeat he suffered 12 months ago at the hands of Rasmus Hojgaard.

The tournament is being playing at The K Club on the outskirts of Dublin and is a happy hunting ground for McIlroy. He secured a famous victory at the County Kildare venue in 2016 after producing a stunning birdie-par-eagle finish to win by three strokes.

McIlroy finished his 2024 season by being crowned Race to Dubai Champion for a sixth time - and third time in succession - after winning two Rolex Series events and finishing second at the Irish Open at Royal County Down, in addition to two victories on the PGA Tour. And this year has been even better with three wins on US soil, including the Masters victory that gave him the long-awaited career grand slam. And he looks nailed on to win the Race to Dubai for a seventh time.

The 36-year-old is relishing his return to Ireland, where he will be cheered every step of the way. He said: "I’m excited to be returning to The K Club. Playing in front of your home fans is always a special experience. Growing up as a kid, I have so many great memories of going to the Irish Open, soaking up the atmosphere and hoping to catch a glimpse of some of my favourite players.

"The support the Irish players receive is unmatched. The scenes at Royal County Down last year were unforgettable. While I unfortunately came up just short that week, the roars walking down the 18th hole and the energy from the crowd will stay with me forever.

"The K Club has always been a fantastic venue, and I’m sure the fans will be out in force again this year. I can’t wait to be a part of it and to share another amazing week with everyone there."

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

There will also be plenty of support for another Irishman. Shane Lowry has enjoyed a consistent season on the PGA Tour. The only thing missing in 2025 is a win and he will be looking to put that right ahead of the Ryder Cup. 

Recent DP World Tour winners Martin Couvra, Eugenio Chacarra, Marco Penge and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen will all be looking to spoil the party.

Frenchman Couvra secured his maiden DP World Tour title in style at the Turkish Airlines Open earlier this summer, delivering a flawless weekend to claim victory in just his first full season on tour. The 22-year-old has been a standout performer since graduating through the HotelPlanner Tour’s Road to Mallorca and is quickly establishing himself as one of Europe’s brightest prospects.

"The Irish Open is a tournament I’ve always wanted to play," said Couvra. "It has a great atmosphere and such passionate fans. I’ve heard amazing things about The K Club and I can’t wait to experience it for myself."

Spain’s Chacarra claimed his maiden victory at the Hero Indian Open in March, continuing his impressive transition to the professional ranks, showcasing the power and poise that made saw him reach second place in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

"I’m really excited to be playing in Ireland," said Chacarra. "The Irish fans know their golf, and The K Club has such a great reputation. It’s going to be a big week in the Back 9 and I’m looking forward to the challenge."

Englishman Penge completed a lifelong dream with a composed victory at the 2025 Hainan Classic on the DP World Tour and followed it up with a wonderful performance to add the Danish Championship. After winning the HotelPlanner Tour’s Road to Mallorca Rankings in 2023, he narrowly kept his card in 2024 and has gone on to flourish this year.

He said. "I’ve worked hard to get to this level, and I’m determined to keep pushing. I always love playing in Ireland, the fans are amazing and it’ll be a brilliant week."

Danish star Neergaard-Petersen has been one of the breakout performers of the 2025 season so far. The 26-year-old has made an immediate impression in his first year on the DP World Tour, racking up five top tens, including a runner-up finish in Qatar, and climbing steadily up the Race to Dubai Rankings while showing his prowess on the biggest stages, finishing tied 12th in his US Open debut.

"It’s been a special year for me so far, and getting to play the Amgen Irish Open at The K Club will be another highlight," he said. "I’ve grown up watching this event and I know how much it means to the people of Ireland. I’m really looking forward to being part of it again after making my debut last year."

In an interesting sub-plot, a number of LIV golfers are in the field. They include Tyrrell Hatton, who is likely to contend, Patrick Reed, Brooks Koepka and Tom McKibbin. 

The K Club hosted The Ryder Cup in 2006, when Ian Woosnam’s European side retained their title by a record-equalling 18½ - 9½ defeat of the United States. A decade later, in 2016, the venue hosted the Irish Open for the first time, with McIlroy winning by three strokes.

Tournament Winners:

It was won in 2016 by Rory McIlroy, in 2017 and 2019 by Jon Rahm, in 2018 by Russell Knox, in 2020 by John Catlin, in 2021 by Lucas Herbert, in 2022 by Adrian Meronk, in 2023 by Vincent Norman and last year by Rasmus Hojgaard.

The Course:

The K Club is located not far from Dublin. It is tree-lined and calls for accuracy from the tee, with water coming into play on several holes. It is a par 72 measuring 7,415 yards. It features some outstanding par fives, most notably the 596-yard seventh and the magnificent closing hole, which measures 546 yards.

Form Guide:

Rory McIlroy will be the fan favourite but after a spectacular start to the year he has struggled for motivation and form since winning The Masters. However, a return to Ireland just might provide the spark he needs, and he will want to avenge last year’s bitter disappointment.

Prize Money:

Total prize money is $6m with 5,000 Race to Dubai points going to the winner.

How to Watch:

Thursday, September 4, Sky Sports Golf, 1pm; Friday, September 5, Sky Sports Golf, 2pm; Saturday, September 6, Sky Sports Golf, 12.30pm; Sunday, September 7, Sky Sports Golf, 12.30pm.

To Win:

Rory McIlroy. Would love another win here

Each Way:

Tyrrell Hatton. Hard to ignore

Each Way:

Shane Lowry. Crowd favourite

Five to Follow:

Rory McIlroy. Tuning up for Bethpage

Tyrrell Hatton. World class

Shane Lowry. Loves playing on home soil

Patrick Reed. Never a dull minute

Brooks Koepka. Five-time major champion.

Five Outsiders to Watch:

Brandon Robinson-Thompson. Has had his moments in 2025

Danny Willett. Trying to recapture past glory

Padraig Harrington. Don’t write off the old boy!

Bernd Wiesberger. Still trying to find his best

Shubhankar Sharma. Former winner on Tour