--- title: "Rahm joins McIlroy, Lowry as Irish Open field bulges at Doonbeg" description: "Two-time winner Rahm tees up in Ireland again, bringing firepower to a links showdown already stacked with McIlroy and Lowry." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/it-s-always-a-place-i-enjoy-playing-jon-rahm-confirmed-f-1f8b909f published: 2026-07-02T13:52:56.975+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T13:52:56.975+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["golf"] --- # Rahm joins McIlroy, Lowry as Irish Open field bulges at Doonbeg > Two-time winner Rahm tees up in Ireland again, bringing firepower to a links showdown already stacked with McIlroy and Lowry. Jon Rahm will headline the Amgen Irish Open at Doonbeg this September, returning to a course and country where he has thrived before. The two-time major champion and former World No. 1 has already claimed the Irish Open twice—in 2017 and 2019—cementing his reputation as a links specialist. The 2024 field is already stacked, with Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and Tyrrell Hatton among the early confirmed names. Rahm’s presence turns the Irish Open into a must-watch clash of Ireland’s top golfers and elite international talent, all competing on the rugged, wind-swept fairways of Doonbeg. Rahm’s affinity for Irish links golf is well-documented. He has repeatedly praised the conditions at Doonbeg, calling it a place he “enjoys playing.” His competitive history here gives him an edge, but the stacked leaderboard means no one will hand him anything. Rahm’s fellow Irish stars have already reacted. Rory McIlroy, a four-time major winner, called Rahm’s participation “huge” for the tournament’s profile. Shane Lowry, the 2019 Open champion and home favorite, added that Rahm’s presence “raises the bar” for everyone. Beyond the headline drama, the 2024 Irish Open carries weight for world rankings. With Rahm, McIlroy, and Lowry all vying for points, the tournament could see a reshuffle in the top 50. A strong finish for Rahm would reinforce his position at the summit, while a breakthrough for a younger player could catapult them into contention for the 2026 Ryder Cup. For the host county, Doonbeg's arrival of a global superstar translates into a surge of tourism and media attention. Local businesses have already reported increased bookings, and the event’s broadcast reach promises to showcase County Clare’s scenery to a worldwide audience. ## Why this matters Rahm’s return to Ireland isn’t just another tournament appearance—it’s a statement. His past dominance at Doonbeg and his rivalry with McIlroy and Lowry turn the Irish Open into a de facto Irish major. For fans, it’s a rare chance to see three of the game’s best compete on home soil, under the kind of pressure that only links golf can deliver. ## Frequently asked ### How many times has Jon Rahm won the Irish Open? Rahm has won the Irish Open twice, in 2017 and 2019, both times at Doonbeg. ### Who else is confirmed for the 2024 Amgen Irish Open? Early confirmed names include Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and Tyrrell Hatton, with more expected to join as the event approaches. ### Why is Doonbeg significant for Jon Rahm? Doonbeg is where Rahm has won the Irish Open twice, and he has repeatedly praised the course’s links conditions as ideal for his game. ### When does the 2024 Amgen Irish Open start? The tournament is scheduled to begin on September 5 at Doonbeg Golf Club in County Clare, Ireland. ### How does Rahm’s return impact the tournament’s status? Rahm’s presence elevates the Irish Open’s profile immediately, turning it into a marquee event with a field featuring multiple major champions. ## Sources & Citations - ['It’s always a place I enjoy playing' - Jon Rahm confirmed for Irish Open at Doonbeg](https://www.the42.ie/jon-rahm-irish-open-3-7088545-Jul2026/) — The 42 (Ireland) (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Rahm joins McIlroy, Lowry as Irish Open field bulges at Doonbeg. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/it-s-always-a-place-i-enjoy-playing-jon-rahm-confirmed-f-1f8b909f