9/2 Rock aiming for Irish Open glory - (2025)

Robert Rock (9/2 – Irish Open Outright) is optimistic of ending a long barren run after opening up a one-shot lead on day three of the Irish Open.

World number 333 Rock has not tasted success since the 2012 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and he arrived at Lahinch Golf Club after missing two cuts from his last three outings.

However, the Englishman ripped up the Irish venue on Saturday and came within inches of becoming just the second player in European Tour history to sign for a round 59.

The Staffordshire-born star had a putt for eagle on the par-five 18th, which would have seen him go round in 59, but his effort slipped just wide of the cup and he had to settle for a 10-under-par 60.

Rock, who holds a one-shot lead from compatriot Eddie Pepperell (3/1f) and Spaniard Rafael Cabrera-Bello (16/5), admits it was a shame he couldn’t make history although he is glad to be in with a chance of winning.

“It’s disappointing not to make it, but 60 is a great score and I’ve played rubbish so far this season so it’s nice to play better,” he told the European Tour’s website.

“It’s a good opportunity to get my season back on track, qualify for the Open and maybe win a tournament again, which would be lovely, because it’s been a long while.”

South African Zander Lombard is on -11 heading into Sunday’s final round and is priced at 12/1 to claim the spoils, while Austrian Bernd Wiesberger and Englishman Andy Sullivan are a further stroke back on -10 and both players are 11/1 to win.

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