The annual curtain-raiser to the event, which always takes place the day before the tournament begins, saw a host of celebrities paired with the top names competing over the next four days for a round at the Championship Links.
In front of a throng of crowds who, understandably, flocked towards the likes of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, it was a day of selfies, signatures and smiles at the Newcastle venue.
And the smiles were flowing from former Ulster, Ireland and Lions rugby star Rory Best, who began his day in perfect fashion — with an eagle at the opening hole.
Shane Filan with fans during the Amgen Irish Open 2024 Pro-Am at Royal County Down. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.
“I’ve played here many times and I’ve rarely hit shots like that,” said Royal County Down member Best, who played alongside Westlife singer Shane Filan and Ireland hockey captain Katie Mullan.
“Playing in front of a crowd is so nerve-wracking and you just want to get something away that doesn’t hurt somebody watching.
“To hit a good first shot and then a good second, I was very happy, because I do love my golf and I just want to be good at it. Enjoyable day all around.”
There was a glittering group in the form of Armagh All-Ireland winners Rian O’Neill and Jarly Óg Burns, as well as coach Kieran Donaghy, who played alongside England’s Grant Forrest and Finland’s Sami Välimäki.
“It was a very enjoyable day. The greens had us at sixes and sevens, they were super fast but we still had a fantastic day overall,” commented Donaghy.
“This is my fourth or fifth Pro-Am and I love playing in them. The Irish Open do an amazing job putting together a great field and it’s going to be a lot of fun watching Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Seamus Power, Tom McKibbin — a lot of Irish interest.
“It’s going to be a great venue to watch golf and hopefully the weather stays good.”
The weather, for the most part besides a few squalls, did play ball under the shadow of the Mournes as the majority of the groups did get round relatively dry, much to the delight of another former Ulster, Ireland and Lions rugby hero Tommy Bowe.
James Nesbitt during the Amgen Irish Open 2024 Pro-Am at Royal County Down. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.
“Amazing day out. The fans looked like they really enjoyed it and to play with the likes of AP McCoy and Jimmy Nesbitt, who are legends as well, was brilliant. We didn’t get too drenched, which is nice,” said the TV presenter.
“It’s amazing that Northern Ireland has a course that is genuinely seen as one of the top three worldwide. It’s right on our doorstep and with the sea and the Mournes, it’s a stunning golf course.
“A pleasure to be here. To have the best Irish golfers here is a privilege.”
The Pro-Am was won by the team represented by Italy’s Edoardo Molinari and France’s Romain Langasque but, in reality, the day out was just for the players to enjoy themselves before the competition itself starts tomorrow.
Padraig Harrington. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.
For Best, there was also a chance to spend some time on the course with son Ben, who caddied for him most of the way round but also managed to hit some shots of his own.
“About the seventh or eighth, (pro) Todd Clements offered him to take his putt for him, gave him the read and he holed it with a bit of a crowd there! He loved it,” beamed the ex-Ireland captain.
“To walk down 18 with the crowd we got, you can’t beat it. It’s a lot more daunting with the stands around, though! But it’s brilliant to see the hours of work the greens staff and the members have put in.
“I’m sure the next four days are going to be even better given the array of shots will get considerably better.”