No place like home: especially when it has the best golf in the world
Growing up in the island of Ireland, golf wasn't just a hobby; it was a part of our family fabric. I picked up my first club when I was about six years old, and it felt entirely natural, like something we were all just meant to do. I remember the friendly rivalry with my older brother, Luke.
Everything was a competition between us, and it was no different on the course. Although we were both pretty good, I think my calm temperament is what eventually led me to go pro. He was… a bit more hot-headed, shall we say?
He now works with our mum Evelyn in her interior design business. Everyone thought I would be the one to go into the business with her. I even tried it out for a while – but when clients came in, I'd always steer the conversation towards golf!
My dad Philip was the one who patiently took us out to the golf course and our early days were spent at Tandragee Golf Club. Then I joined Royal County Down (RCD) when I was 10. So I was really spoiled. I had the best of both worlds, playing incredible parkland and links courses from a young age, which really shaped my game and soon I was competing all over Ireland.
Mum always had an interest in golf too. She loved watching it and understood the game, but she only started playing herself a couple of years ago, and now it's great to see her out on the course every week with her friends, enjoying the social side of it. I think that's one of the best things about golf – it's as much about the people as it is about the game. Especially here on the island of Ireland.
My home club, RCD, remains my absolute favourite. It's where I qualified for what is now the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship final in 2015, when I was 16. I went on to win in Portugal.
My dad, who always knew everything that was going on, told me it was a qualifier just before I teed off. I remember being so nervous and excited. I was thrilled to represent Northern Ireland when I qualified for that final, and the whole experience set me up for my pro career.
But we have so many golfing gems here beyond RCD. County Sligo Golf Club is another one I love. I've played there in several amateur events, and it's simply stunning. The scenery is incredible, and it's a really tough test of golf. It's amazing how many memories you collect at these clubs.
Lough Erne Resort holds a special place in my heart as well. It's not just a golf course; it's a whole experience. The spa, the food, the rooms – it caters to everyone, whether they play golf or not. I played the Faldo Series there when I was young and won. And that helped me qualify for events in the United States. I remember the nerves coming down the stretch with all that water on the course. It's definitely a challenge, but those memories are so much fun.
Galgorm is another course I love. Every time I go back they've added something new, made it even more challenging. It's a beautiful resort, and it's close to Royal Portrush, Castlerock and Portstewart, which is great – you can base yourself there for a mini break and play all the courses in the area.
Galgorm was also the site of my first LPGA event as a professional, which also turned out to be the last time my dad saw me play before he passed away, so it will always be special to me. I had a top 20 finish there, which was a huge highlight of my career.
Portstewart is fantastic too, and has special memories for me. I reached the semi-finals of a British Amateur tournament there, with all my family watching. That's another memory I cherish. The opening holes at Portstewart are some of the best I've ever seen and I love how different the front and back nines are.
Of course, I have to talk about Royal Portrush. It's one of my favourite places. The town is beautiful, and it has so many great restaurants. For me it's the drive in, seeing the course and the water all laid out in front of you: it is just breathtaking.
The course is fun and challenging, but it's also scoreable if you play well. It was amazing to watch the Open there in 2019 and it totally deserved to be the host this year too.
Off the course there are so many incredible attractions and experiences on offer. Titanic Belfast is one of my favourite places to visit. I've been four times, taking different friends every time, but getting something new out of it on every visit. The history and the exhibits are so interesting, and the interactive ride is really cool.
Belfast is just 45 minutes away from where I live, and I love going there. The food scene is amazing, from Asian cuisine at Zen to the steaks at Top Blade. I love the pubs, the live music and the atmosphere in the Cathedral Quarter. It really feels like home.
Away from the city, the Giant's Causeway everyone must know about, but if you've never been, it is another must-see. And if you have been before, you just want to keep going back for more every time you visit. It's just stunning. I love going for walks there.
Now that I travel so much, I appreciate being at home even more. When I fly back from touring and see the views as we come in over Dublin, I get a huge smile on my face. And I realise I used to take it all for granted.
When I'm on tour in America and people hear my accent, they always ask about golf trips to Ireland. I end up giving them a list of recommendations: restaurants, the sights – and, of course, the golf.
Irish golf is so different from golf in America. It's a unique challenge, and people want to experience it. We know how to play in the wind which I think always amazes Americans, and the scenery and hospitality are just amazing, which they love too.
I feel so lucky to have grown up playing golf on the island of Ireland. It's shaped who I am, and I'll always love coming home.
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