• Thomas Björn’s 78 in the first round of the 2006 Irish Open matched the highest first round score by a winner in European Tour history. This was first established by George Burns at another Irish tournament, the 1975 Kerrygold International.
• The Irish Open has a rich history of winners, dating back to 1927, the year it was first played. In all, 14 Major Champions have triumphed in the event. They are: George Duncan (1927), Alf Padgham (1932), Reg Whitcombe (1936), Bobby Locke (1938), Fred Daly (1946), Ben Crenshaw (1976), Hubert Green (1977), Seve Ballesteros (1983, 85, 86), Bernhard Langer (1984, 87, 94), Ian Woosnam (1988, 89), José Maria Olazábal (1990), Nick Faldo (1991-93), Michael Campbell (2003) and Padraig Harrington (2007).
• With Padraig Harrington’s extra-time victory over Bradley Dredge 12 months ago, The Irish Open extended the record for most European Tour play-offs – a total of ten since The European Tour began in 1972. This is two more than the Methorios Capital Italian Open.
• In 2007 Padraig Harrington became the first Irishman to win The Irish Open since John O’Leary, 25 years earlier. Should The Open Champion successfully defend his crown, he would join Harry Bradshaw (1947 and 1949) as the only other Irish player to win their National Open on two occasions.
• When winning the 1992 and 1993 Irish Open, Nick Faldo created European Tour history by becoming the only player to win the same event in consecutive years, via consecutive play-offs. In 1992 he beat Wayne Westner and 12 months later defeated José Maria Olazábal.
