Irish Open predictions: Penge poised to upstage Ryder Cup heroes
The K Club has hosted two previous editions of the Irish Open, in 2016 and 2023
The 7,441-yard par-72 parkland course is best known for staging the 2006 Ryder Cup
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The Irish Open fittingly takes place this week at the scene of the 2006 Ryder Cup, the K Club, where European stars Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton and Shane Lowry are all in attendance.
McIlroy, whose sole Irish Open win came at the Palmer Course nine years ago, dominates the betting market, but his lacklustre efforts in the FedEx Cup play-offs should concern his legion of supporters.
Despite its numerous water hazards, the K Club is not overly penal off the tee, and previous renewals of this tournament have pointed to precise approaches being the route to success.
The latest Irish Open odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Englishman could complete DP World Tour hat-trick
The trio of European heavyweights all merit respect, but Marco Penge is deservedly next in the betting and there is every chance the Englishman can upstage the big guns by claiming a third win of the season this week.
Penge made his breakthrough at the Hainan Classic in China in April. He then finished 28th in his first Stateside Major start in May's US PGA Championship, before sharing second spot in elite company at the co-sanctioned Scottish Open in July.
After claiming a second DP World Tour win at the Danish Championship, Penge has finished in the top 10 of both the British Masters and the European Masters over the last fortnight.
Last week's effort, at a less suitable venue in Crans-sur-Sierre, was hugely encouraging and, if his busy schedule does not catch up with him, Penge looks a serious K Club contender.
Back Marco Penge to win and each-way at 16/1 with LiveScore Bet
Hot Haotong to relish approach test
Haotong Li has been excellent lately, teeing off in the final group alongside Scottie Scheffler at the Open Championship, where he finished fourth, then returning from a four-week break to finish eighth at the British Masters.
Last week's 24th-place finish at the European Masters was also promising for the Chinese player, who should find the K Club more to his liking than tight, tree-lined Crans.
Li ranks second only to Tyrrell Hatton in strokes-gained approach on the DP World Tour this season, and his pinpoint iron play is a serious asset this week.
Back Haotong Li to win and each-way at 45/1 with LiveScore Bet
Parry can contend if his putter heats up
John Parry has finished 43rd and 13th in his last two starts but he has been striking his irons superbly, ranking sixth in approach at the British Masters and topping the charts last week at the European Masters.
That bodes well for a trip to the K Club, and while he must improve on the greens if he is to claim the title, he putted well when finishing 33rd in the 2023 Irish Open, when ranked 421 places lower than he is now.
Back John Parry to win and each-way at 40/1 with LiveScore Bet
