THE IRISH OPEN might be feeling the effects of the economic crisis, but golf on this island is enjoying a boom of unparalleled magnitude.
Two natives of this island currently hold major championships, and two more have won majors within the last five years.
Having taken nearly 60 years to build on the legacy of Fred Daly, Ireland has suddenly finds itself at the head of the class when it comes to breeding major-winning talent.
But while the bulk of the local support in Killarney this week will go the way of this illustrious quartet, the Irish challenge doesn’t begin and end with the island’s world-beating champions.
Use our handy slideshow to get up to speed with the form and pedigree of Ireland’s top challengers.