Irish Open 2025 at The K Club: Match date, start time, odds and how to watch this weekend

The anticipation is bubbling ahead of one of the major sporting events this weekend, as the DP World Tour brings us back to the rolling fairways of The K Club in County Kildare. The Irish Open 2025 begins on Thursday morning at 7:30am, with live coverage available on Sky Sports Golf from 1pm. Golf fans in the UK will be glued to their screens for what is shaping up to be a dramatic few days, especially given the quality of the field and the stakes involved.

William Hill have already released their latest betting odds, and it is no surprise to see Rory McIlroy heading the market. After pushing all the way last year before being pipped at Royal County Down, the Northern Irishman is back at the very venue where he lifted the trophy in 2016. However, with Thriston Lawrence arriving fresh from victory at the European Masters and the likes of Shane Lowry, Tyrrell Hatton and Brooks Koepka all in the mix, punters will be weighing up the betting promotions for new customers very carefully. If you fancy a flutter, odds comparison for the match suggests there could be some real value in backing the underdog chances this week.

A title clash preview at The K Club

The K Club’s Palmer North Course is no stroll in the park; it’s a bruising 7,441-yard par 72 layout that demands precision more than brute force. The River Liffey snakes its way through the grounds, and with water threatening on 15 of the 18 holes, accuracy becomes the watchword. Fairways may appear generous, but stray too far and the thick rough or the mature woodland will swallow up any dreams of silverware.

Greens in regulation will be vital, especially with breezy conditions expected to rattle the field all week. Saturday looks particularly brutal, with gusts likely to force players into uncomfortable shot choices. As ever, the par-fives offer scoring opportunities, especially the 18th where an eagle is always lurking for those brave enough to risk it. But the sting in the tail comes from the longer par-fours, with the seventh hole – a beast of 434 yards – rated as the hardest on the track.

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Players to watch and form guide ahead of the match

The event has drawn in seven major champions, giving the Irish Open the feel of a championship clash preview. Rory McIlroy remains the centrepiece, and while his record at this event has been a rollercoaster, his current form across the season suggests he will be hard to stop. Shane Lowry, world number 23, will have the crowd behind him, the home support roaring him on with memories of his famous amateur win still fresh. Tyrrell Hatton, sitting 25th in the rankings, arrives with the added incentive of fine-tuning ahead of the Ryder Cup.

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Best Bookmakers Deals For This Event

Thriston Lawrence, meanwhile, cannot be ignored. After taking home the European Masters title just last week, momentum is firmly in his corner. There is something about players riding the wave of success that makes them dangerous, and odds comparison for the match shows his price shortening fast at William Hill. Marco Penge, ranked 60, has been consistent without being spectacular, though a strong performance here could propel him into higher conversations.

Then there is Brooks Koepka, making his debut at the Irish Open. The American has the pedigree – five majors don’t just happen by accident – but his recent inconsistency has left many unsure whether to expect brilliance or a missed cut. Still, his name alone brings intrigue and adds spice to what was already a packed field.

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Key fixture information and sport event calendar significance

This tournament is not just another stop on the DP World Tour; it’s the third leg of the ‘Back 9’ series that builds towards the season finale. With the Ryder Cup looming at Bethpage Black later this month, there’s added tension for those who need to show form under pressure. For players like McIlroy, Lowry and Hatton, every drive and putt at The K Club will be scrutinised not just in the context of the Irish Open but also for what it says about their readiness for the cauldron of international golf.

It’s worth remembering that the last six Irish Open winners came from outside the UK or Ireland, a stat that gives hope to the international contingent. Francesco Molinari, Danny Willett, Patrick Reed and Padraig Harrington all add layers of intrigue, while local youngster Tom McKibbin is looking to banish the memory of missing the cut at Royal Portrush. The field is strong, the stakes are high, and the weather might well have the final say.

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Questions and Answers

Where is the event taking place?
The Irish Open 2025 will be staged at The K Club in Straffan, County Kildare, a venue that has become iconic in European golf.

When is the match?
Play begins on Thursday at 7:30am, with Sky Sports Golf providing live coverage from 1pm.

What are the event location and venue details?
The Palmer North Course is a 7,441-yard par 72 parkland design, with water in play on 15 holes and some of the toughest par-fours on the DP World Tour schedule.

Who is the favourite to win?
According to William Hill odds, Rory McIlroy is the favourite, but the field is stacked with major champions and recent winners like Thriston Lawrence, making it anything but a foregone conclusion.

How to watch live?
Fans in the UK can tune into Sky Sports Golf from Thursday afternoon, with extensive live coverage across all four days. Pay-per-view details and sport streaming guides are included in Sky’s broadcast schedule.

If you’re looking for betting tips and predictions, you can find expert analysis here: Irish Open betting tips and best bets.

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