OB SPORTS GOLF & LEISURE
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WINTER 2019
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obsports.com
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TOUR REPORT
Links perennially ranks among the
world's Top 15 courses, thanks to a su-
perior 1932 H.S. Colt design that maxi-
mizes its setting in the high dunes
along the Irish Sea. It features one of
the great holes in golf, the 236-yard,
par-3 16th, aptly named "Calamity."
Amid whipping winds, a fade off the
tee will plunge into a 75-foot-deep
chasm short and right of the hole.
At 7,317 yards with a stirring finish,
Royal Portrush is poised to assume the
mantle of one of the Open rota's
strongest tests. Not only does the cu-
riosity factor about the course make
this year's Open "must-watch," but the
scenery will keep you tuned in, no
matter how the leaderboard looks.
The Cast: Premier ballstriker
Francesco Molinari finally found a put-
ting stroke to match in a well-deserved
2018 triumph where he fended off
Justin Rose, Xander Schauffele, Kevin
Kisner and Rory McIlroy for a two-shot
win at Carnoustie. And don't forget
that Jordan Spieth led after three
rounds, and that Tiger Woods held the
lead as the final nine unfolded.
Look for all those names to circulate
near the top in 2019.
The Skinny: The early favorite for a
Portrush Open? Try native son Rory
McIlroy. As a 16-year-old in 2005, he set
the course record, an 11-under-par 61.
<< WATCH!
Royal Portrush in
Northern Ireland is
home to one of the
best and most
challenging golf
courses in the
world: the Dunluce
Links, site of the
2019 Open
Championship.
