McIlroy Targets Back-to-Back Titles at Amgen Irish Open
Rory McIlroy will be looking to defend his title at the Amgen Irish Open this week, which takes place at Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg. The 36-year-old has had a disappointing campaign so far, but he'll relish the prospect of playing in front of a passionate home crowd.
McIlroy won his sixth major with a one-shot victory at Augusta National in April and will be hoping to close the gap on Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed. No player has won back-to-back titles at the Irish Open since Colin Montgomerie in 1996 and 1997.
Past champion Shane Lowry will also be looking to feed off the home crowd, having made history when he won his national open on his debut appearance as an amateur in 2009. He remains the most recent player to win on the DP World Tour before turning professional and has a strong record at this event.