It will be an emotional return to St Andrews for Rory McIlroy at the Dunhill Links this week.
His near miss at the 150th Open this summer will always feel like the tournament that got away from him.
He will endure many sleepless nights thinking of what might have been.
READ MORE: Greg Norman slams “hypocrisy” as he hits back at Rory McIlroy’s LIV Golf criticism
Majors are the holy grail in this sport and will always be revered. There is such focus on just four weeks in the season because those are the titles all golfers aspire to win.
McIlroy proved his class and his mettle in how he has responded after he was overtaken by Cameron Smith and Cameron Young at The Open.
But this will be the first time he is back, even if the environment couldn’t be more different this week.
The Dunhill Links is one of the more relaxed tournaments all season.
He will be alongside his father Gerry and it really is the stuff dreams are made of, striding the hallowed turf with your family.
But as always in golf, you are there to perform and they have a huge pot to play for this week. Rory leads the way in the money list and, with just two more starts to come, he has an opportunity to cement that position.
The fact he has never won this title is an added incentive.
The weather forecast, unfortunately, is going to determine the outcome and just staying around the leaders is key. Links golf courses rely on mother nature to protect them nowadays and she will give that protection in abundance this week.
Rory seems at the top of his game and it is great to see such a strong supporting cast for one of the more enjoyable weeks on Tour.
The Ryder Cup points this side of Christmas can really frame the team.
We have seen some big performances to date – Shane Lowry was magnificent in Wentworth while Bob MacIntyre stepped up to win at the host venue in Italy.
Guido Migliozzi then won in fine style around Golf National to upset Rasmus Hojgaard last weekend.
So the signs are great that the next group of European Tour players are stepping up.
And it’s a timely move on the back of last week’s Presidents Cup, given the international team was shorn of their superstars that have defected to LIV Golf.
The Presidents Cup set the platform for Team Europe to try and upset the powerhouse that is American golf.
While the outcome looked a given from the start at Quail Hollow, the week still underlined the fact that these events are the best showcase for the sport.
It brings out all that emotional verve that team golf encapsulates.
It also gives me hope for Luke Donald’s side next year.
Whistling Straits last year proved that team Europe needs fresh blood. The defectors to LIV have guaranteed that, so we now look to the likes of MacIntyre. Migliozzi and the Hojgaard twins, along with Ewen Ferguson and Jordan Smith, to step up.
Marry those up with our major winners in Rory, Shane, Jon Rahm and Matt Fitzpatrick and we have the excitement of a melting pot of experience and new talent.
The great advantage the European Tour has is that team morale is a given.
This week is another huge Ryder Cup points grab and we will see that team start to form itself.
Rome will be spectacular but getting there requires performances in big tournaments.
The Dunhill Links will demand that.
Shane should be looking to storm to another big win this week
Shane Lowry returns to action this week for the first time since his thrilling win at Wentworth.
It is a tournament he loves and has had chances at in the past.
History suggests that inclement weather and Lowry are best friends.
Like many others, Lowry is chasing end of season positions and prizes that are crucial to finishing off the year strong.
Lowry is in a strong position to record his best ever finish in the Race to Dubai.
Winning is the best medicine for any player and he will be keen to back up his performance at the BMW PGA Championship.
One win in a season is fantastic, but two big titles would really raise the bar – and would give him the opportunity to finish the year in his highest ever world ranking.
There is always something to play for and improvements to make.
Shane has plenty to get excited about this week.
Leona’s legend’s growing
Leona Maguire almost gave the home fans what they wanted at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.
Dromoland provided a stunning setting and the week didn’t disappoint.
To fall just one shot short of the playoff after a rollercoaster week shows Leona’s class.
The date was not ideal and that will be looked at for next year. It is vital to attract all the best players as the product then grows.
Maybe it is an opportunity to blend the LET/ LPGA Tour so that the sponsor will get more bang for their buck and we will see more of the world stars of the game.
Klara Spilkova prevailed at the first playoff hole to secure the biggest win of her career – and her first in five years. It was a thrilling finish and added to the drama of the week.
For the Irish Open to return after a 10 year hiatus, I’m sure all who made it happen will be thrilled at its success.
The women’s game is on the up but the commercial reality is the biggest challenge.
We also saw many Irish amateurs get exposure to the biggest stage. It will inspire them going forward and will hopefully see them added to the next batch of pros to come through.
I hope down the road we will look back and see that this was the week that moved the dial.
Betting slip
Sanderson Farms Championship
Taylor Montgomery 25/1 EW: Stats suggest he is capable of a big performance
Ben An 50/1 EW: He should continue to make an impact on his return
Robbie Shelton 80/1 EW: I’m expecting him to have a big season
Davis Thompson 80/1 EW: This is a great each way price
Dunhill Links
Ewen Ferguson 80/1 EW: Big price for two-time DP World Tour winner
Matthew Southgate 100/1 EW: Capable of turning in a big week
Jeff Winter 200/1 EW: Hoping his hot putter turns up
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