Fisher shoots 65 – Irish Open win
On Sunday, by two strokes over Padraig Harrington, Ross Fisher won the Irish Open after shooting a 6-under 65 in the final round. Going into the round, Fisher led by one shot, although after sinking a 15-foot eagle putt at the par-5 seventh hole, he took the advantage to three.
At Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, the Englishman totaled 18-under 266 he had been briefly joined at the top of the leaderboard by Harrington (64) on three occasions. In the qualifying standings, Fisher’s fourth career victory lifted him to sixth place. On the European team for the Ryder Cup later this year, the qualifying standings will determine nine automatic members.
Fisher said, “The Ryder Cup has been my goal this year and there’s still going to be some changes and shifting around in the qualifying table. But, this is just the first tournament in a very important three weeks. And I am now going to go into the Bridgestone Invitational and the U.S. PGA looking forward to playing well again. They are two very big tournaments and I want to go out there and prove that this win was not a fluke.”
Under considerable pressure from Harrington, the victory was achieved, who enjoyed overwhelming local support. From the crowd of 21,000, Harrington enjoyed overwhelming local support. For the third time, he drew level, when he holed a 10-foot eagle putt at the par-5 15th, although he began three shots behind Fisher.
Playing two groups behind Harrington, Fisher responded with birdies at the 15th and 16th to regain the lead. With two comfortable pars, he closed out his victory.
Fisher said, “I have come close to winning in Ireland a couple of times in the past. And to get the victory done in front of record crowds and to beat Paddy, who was obviously fighting all the way, is something I will definitely treasure for a long time.”
After several disappointing months, on the European Tour, Harrington’s 26th runner-up finish lifted him to 10th in the Ryder Cup.
Harrington said, “Ross played very well going out leading and shooting 65. That’s very impressive, so fair play to him. I don’t feel like I lost the tournament, so I am not going to walk away disappointed. Ross went out there and won it.”
