Just three weeks after going head-to-head in a play-off for the Players Championship in Florida, Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia are set to compete again in this week’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation.
Fowler pipped Garcia in a play-off at Sawgrass, and surprisingly it may be the American who has an upper hand playing in links conditions this week.
The 26 year old came up against Rory McIlroy at the Walker Cup at this week’s Royal County Down venue, and revealed on the eve of the tournament that his early golfing life had a links influence.
“The guy I learned how to play golf from, Barry McDonnell, had some Scottish ties - I think it was his grandfather was the head pro at North Berwick.
“So the way he taught me to play golf and play shots definitely translated into links golf.
“I always had fun and enjoyed that, but I think Walker Cup was one of my first times getting to enjoy links golf and play a few courses over here.
“Royal County Down is one of my favourites, and always has been since we played the Walker Cup here in 2007 – I have some great memories from that.
“I’m coming off a great win; this is my first start back. It’s a different style of golf over here but links golf is my favourite.
“The game feels good, so I’m excited to get back at it and want to get myself back in contention.”
Garcia’s runner-up finish at the Players Championship was his fifth since winning last year’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, but The Ryder Cup star’s confidence may be boosted by returning to the event where he collected his first European Tour title in 1999.
And while Garcia was still to play the course when he did his pre-tournament press conference, his father Victor has been able to pass on a couple of tips.
“He played I think one or two British Senior Opens here,” said Garcia. “Obviously he told me it's a great golf course.
“I'm excited to take a good look this afternoon and be ready for tomorrow.
“I'm excited about this week - obviously it's a big tournament, with a lot of great players.
“This event was my first victory as a professional, first victory on The European Tour. The Irish Open is always going to hold a great spot in my heart - it's very, very special.”
