Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry disagree about what’s best for the Irish Open moving forward as, depending on what PGA Tour chiefs decide, next year’s edition could be played the same week as a WGC event if it maintains it’s current slot.
If that transpires, it would be tough to attract star names to these shores, and Lowry feels a switch to a September date would suit best.
“I think they’ll have to move it if it is going to be the same week,” said the Offaly man, who finished tied 34th yesterday.
“There’s a great chance to move it, the week before Wentworth – two great tournaments two weeks in a row.
“September in Ireland tends to be okay as well, so I think (sponsors) Dubai Duty Free should put pressure on the Tour to give them what they want.
“There’s very few really big tournaments on the European Tour and this is one of them – and they should be looked after.”
But Harrington prefers the current date after over 40,000 flocked to the west Clare links over the weekend.
“This is perfect,” claimed the 47-year-old, who yesterday distanced himself from taking over from Paul McGinley as tournament host in 2020 because he is Europe’s Ryder Cup captain.
“You couldn’t get better than this – two weeks before The Open, you’re going to get guys who want to play links golf and who don’t want to play a week before The Open.
“If you get it in September, with the PGA, I don’t know why guys would be attracted to come over.”
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