Greg Allen

Sport Journalist

'The notion of a golfer completing the grand slam in a year is not as far-fetched a proposition as it might seem'

Rory 2.0 has a new target - the calendar grand slam

With his game looking as good as it has for over a decade, there's no question that the calendar grand slam is a goal for the US Masters champion.

Golf • 15 Apr 25

Greg Allen: 'If there's an 'outside-the-top-10' prediction right now which looks ready to make history, there aren't many better than the World No 13 Shane Lowry'

McIlroy poised, but Scheffler looms large at Augusta

As the eyes of the golfing world focus in on Augusta National this week, the pre-tournament chatter has centred on two pre-Masters narratives.

Golf • 10 Apr 25

Rory McIlroy is set for his 17th Masters start next month

McIlroy's latest approach in search of Masters glory

If Rory McIlroy was hoping to fly under the radar heading into the Masters next month, as has been the case before, he possibly should not have won twice on two of the most iconic courses in the USA in the weeks before heading down Magnolia Lane.

Golf • 18 Mar 25

Rory McIlroy is consoled by his caddie Harry Diamond after making a bogey on the 18th hole during the final round of this year's US Open

Gut-punch defeats - McIlroy seeks an end to that in '25

RTÉ Sport's Greg Allen assess the golfing year for Irish competitors and in looking forward to 2025 hones in on Rory McIlroy on whether he can banish of too many near misses in the year past.

Golf • 01 Jan 25

Conor Purcell was bogey free in round one

Purcell makes fast start in Challenge Tour Grand Final

Conor Purcell shot a bogey free opening round 67 to claim a share of eighth place on five-under par at the Challenge Tour Grand Final in Mallorca.

Golf • 31 Oct 24

Fans watch R&A Amateur champion James Sugrue line up a putt at Portmarnock Golf Club in 2019

Government will support Portmarnock bid to host Open

The prospect of the Open Golf Championship being staged at Portmarnock Golf Club in north County Dublin moved a significant step closer today with the announcement by the Irish government that it will support the hosting of The Open and also the AIG Women's Open at the famous north Dublin links.

Golf • 22 Oct 24

Conor Purcell celebrates his victory in China

Purcell secures DP World Tour card with win in China

Conor Purcell birdied three of the last four holes to secure his second win of the season on the Challenge tour in the Hangzhou Open in China, a victory which secures a full tour card on the main DP World Tour next season.

Golf • 20 Oct 24

Gusts at Royal County Down could reach almost 50kph on Thursday

Irish Open preview - McIlroy leads home challenge

The 68th edition of the Irish Open is likely to pose a stiff test to the field at Royal County Down, with the ability to handle the elements in Newcastle a key consideration.

Golf • 12 Sep 24

'There's a quiet respect for this out--and-back layout, which is heavily influenced by the Duel in the Gloom at Troon in 2016'

McIlroy aims to banish US Open blues at testing Troon

Royal Troon has thrown up many quirks of fate and offbeat storylines in its history of staging Opens, writes Greg Allen.

Golf • 17 Jul 24

Sophie Becker, Rhasidat Adeleke, Phil Healy, Sharlene Mawdsley and Lauren Cadden celebrate with fans

Calm reflection required after eternal highs of Rome

Unprecedented success for the Irish team at the European Athletics Championships opens more doors to ongoing progression of athletes and fuels anticipation of Olympic success, but a pause for reflection is maybe now required.

Athletics • 15 Jun 24