The Dubai Duty Irish Open at Lahinch is just a couple of days away. There's no doubt the course brings back good memories for Paul McGinley.
The Dubliner won the South of Ireland championship there in 1991. A year later, he turned pro on the European Tour.
As the 2019 Irish Open closes in, he was out on course and spoke to our own John Duggan.
"Aesthetically beautiful, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, it's just stunning," he said of the location.
But the Dubliner also highlighted the importance of staging an event in places other the capital.
"It's proved as well that it doesn't have to be in the capital city in order to be a success," he said.
"We proved that in Ballyliffin last year, we've proved it in Lahinch this week. Big crowds in Ballyliffin and big crowds forecasted again this week.
"I think it shows you that when you go to a community that really wants it and embraces it, that it can be a success."
Strong Field
While Rory McIlroy is not involved this year, the field remains strong.
Jon Rahm, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Danny Willett and Lee Westwood are just some of the high-profile players participating.
"There are some big names in there and I'm certainly proud of the quality of field we have," said McGinley.
"And I'm thrilled that the players have decided to come here. Hopefully they're not going to be let down, by having a week that's very memorable, a golf course that they're going to really enjoy playing, and they'll feel like they've done good preparation for hoping to win a Major in a few weeks time."
The 2014 Ryder Cup-winning captain also looked back at that 1991 experience at Lahinch and how it boosted his career.
You can watch McGinley's full chat with John above via the video player.
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