Money back in form of free bet for Irish Open

Coral are offering customers up to £/€25 in free bets if your selection finishes second in either a single or each way bet at the Irish Open in Fota Island, Cork.

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy is the favourite priced at 9/2, and after what was a disappointing US Open showing will be eager to make more of an impression on more familiar soil. His compatriot Greame McDowell is third favourite at 20/1, while native Padraig Harrington could be an interesting selection at 50/1.

Following his display at the US Open, McIlroy has admitted he needs to make slight changes to his game: “I just need to curb my enthusiasm at times.

“You’re standing with a seven-iron in your hand on that fifth hole, for example, and know that actually missing the green short right isn’t a bad shot. Instead of trying to hit the perfect shot, landing it in the middle of the green,” the player continued.

“It might be a little bit to do with once I get on a run, I’m maybe trying a little too hard to get out of it and that compounds the issue. I need to figure out these nine holes of golf where instead of it being four over or five over, I can maybe be one or two over, just limiting the damage a little bit.”

Harrington, who last won a major in 2008, having secured the Open Championship for the second year running, as well as the PGA Championship, missed the cut for the recent US Open for the first time in 15 years, though this could work in his favour. He will be buoyed in front of a home crowd, and is considered a fans favourite in the golfing world for his gentle nature and humble approach.

The highest ranked Englishman, is Paul Casey at 20/1. He matched the PGA course record for the best score on a back nine at the Byron Nelson tournament, carding an eight under par 27 in the second round.

Casey said recently in an interview: “I’m loving my golf right now.

“The game is in really good shape.

“It doesn’t guarantee good numbers but I’m enjoying playing golf and relishing the challenge every week.

“I’m hitting the ball a long way. I used to hit it a long way and it’s been a couple of years since I’ve done that. I’ve really struggled.”