Staff WriterThe winds of change are blowing through County Kildare, and they’re carrying some serious talent.
The 2025 Amgen Irish Open is shaping up to be more than just another stop on the DP World Tour – it’s a showcase of golf’s next generation, with four rising stars ready to make their mark at The K Club from September 4–7.
Martin Couvra, Eugenio Chacarra, Marco Penge, and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen have all booked their places in the field, and if their form this season is anything to go by, they’re not just there to make up the numbers. Each has already claimed silverware on tour in 2025, and their addition adds even more firepower to an already heavyweight lineup.
Let’s start with French phenom Martin Couvra, who’s making a habit of turning heads. The 22-year-old bagged his first DP World Tour title in emphatic fashion at the Turkish Airlines Open, playing with the composure of a seasoned pro.
Having cut his teeth on the HotelPlanner Tour’s Road to Mallorca, Couvra is wasting no time in living up to the hype.
“The Amgen Irish Open is a tournament I’ve always wanted to play,” said Couvra. “It has a great atmosphere and such passionate fans. I’ve heard amazing things about The K Club and I can’t wait to experience it for myself.”
Joining him is Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra, who blasted his way to a breakthrough win at the Hero Indian Open earlier this year.
The former World No.2 amateur has quickly shown he belongs in the big leagues, wielding a swing smoother than a pint of Guinness.
“I’m really excited to be playing in Ireland,” said Chacarra. “The Irish fans know their golf, and The K Club has such a great reputation. It’s going to be a big week in the Back 9 and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
From England, Marco Penge brings a story of perseverance and pay-off. After grinding his way to the top of the Road to Mallorca Rankings in 2023 and clinging to his card in 2024, the 27-year-old finally broke through with a win at the Hainan Classic. Now, he’s earned a ticket to one of the season’s marquee events.
“To be playing in an event like the Amgen Irish Open is great and the sort of event you look forward to on the schedule,” said Penge. “I’ve worked hard to get to this level, and I’m determined to keep pushing. I always love playing in Ireland, the fans are amazing and it’ll be a brilliant week.”
Then there’s Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen – a name as long as his list of 2025 accomplishments. In his rookie season, the 26-year-old has already notched five top-10s and a runner-up finish in Qatar. He even held his own at the U.S. Open, tying for 12th. Cool, calm, and consistently climbing the Race to Dubai Rankings.
“It’s been a special year for me so far, and getting to play the Amgen Irish Open at The K Club will be another highlight,” he said. “I’ve grown up watching this event and I know how much it means to the people of Ireland. I’m really looking forward to being part of it again after making my debut last year.”
The Amgen Irish Open has never been short on drama, and this year promises more fireworks.
The Palmer North Course at The K Club – a venue etched into golf lore thanks to the 2006 Ryder Cup – returns once again to host the Irish national open, as part of the DP World Tour’s Back 9.
And the rest of the cast? Not too shabby either. Reigning champion Rasmus Højgaard is back to defend his title. Rory McIlroy, chasing history on home soil, joins fellow Major winners, Pádraig Harrington and Shane Lowry, as well as Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald. Séamus Power, two-time PGA TOUR victor, will tee it up alongside Harrington as part of Team Amgen.
It’s young guns, home heroes, and major champs all in one place – and with the form these four new names are bringing to the table, the leaderboard could get mighty crowded come Sunday.
Tickets are now available at europeantour.com. If you’ve ever fancied seeing the future of golf up close – with a side of Irish charm and roaring crowds – the 2025 Amgen Irish Open is the week to circle on the calendar.
