Irish Open Golf 2011 - Richard Finch

Yorkshireman, Richard Finch was the surprise winner of the 2008 Irish Open, who sadly will be remembered for his second to the final hole when he played a superb shot on to the green, but lost his balance and fell into the River Maigue that runs alongside the fairway. Amusing as it was, Richard showed terrific indifference and composure as he went on to get down in two putts for a memorable win by two shots from Chilean, Felipe Aguilar.

It is fair to say that Richard Finch is not the best known golfer on the European Tour, but like many, he is one of those who can come from apparently nowhere and win. Australian golfer, Scott Strange, did exactly the same two weeks later when winning the Welsh Open. By winning Richard proved that the European tour is highly competitive which makes the sport highly watchable and very entertaining.

This was the second tour win for Finch, he won in his 90th Tournament in New Zealand in December 2007 when he was on the verge of losing his European playing card. The Irish open victory win moved him up to 5th in the European Order of Merit and has probably qualified him for the British Open. He should be heartened that the 2007 Irish Open winner, Padraig Harrington went on to win the British major two months later.