The Irish Golfer Magazine – 8 June 2026

Summary

John Shortt's June 2026 issue of Irish Golfer Magazine leads with "The Perfect Fit" — a visit to the Under Armour Performance Centre at Stoke Park with Mark Power and Conor Purcell for a tour-level shoe fitting, while Patrick Keeling's Irish Amateur Open victory, rooted in his religious faith, anchors the feature well. At EUR 6.50 cover price, the 124-page edition packs a U.S. Open preview, a Billy Horschel interview, and the resurrection story of John Murphy.

The Agenda section opens with Aaron Rai winning the PGA Championship at Aronimink — the first Englishman to claim the title in 107 years — earning USD 3.7 million. The editor's letter previews a summer of Irish golf including the OFX Irish Legends at Carton House and the NI Legends at Galgorm, both free to attend. Features include "Fast Company" on how McLaren's precision made Justin Rose take notice, "Tough Love" profiling Shinnecock Hills ahead of the U.S. Open, and "Freewheelin'" where Brad Faxon recounts hiring a young caddie at the 1985 Honda Classic. The gear section on page 121 tests the new Titleist GTS drivers, TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter, and asks whether a EUR 239 launch monitor can actually dial in your swing. John Shortt edits, Peter Finnan serves as digital editor, and the masthead includes contributors Kevin Markham, Eugene Glennon and GOLF Magazine.

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Content Guide

▸ Features / Interviews

p.28 · Gotta Have Faith
Patrick Keeling on how his Christian faith connects to his Irish Amateur Open victory. A rare article that treats a golfer's religious conviction as a serious part of his competitive story rather than a footnote.

p.40 · The Resurrection of John Murphy
The Kinsale man lost his game and his confidence, then found both again. A comeback profile that traces his path from the depths back to winner's circle.

p.49 · Up Close with Billy Horschel
The eight-time PGA Tour winner on why he never holds back his opinions. Horschel's candor has cost him fans and earned him respect in equal measure.

p.70 · The Perfect Fit
Peter Finnan joins Mark Power and Conor Purcell at Stoke Park's Under Armour Performance Centre for a tour-level custom shoe fitting. Covers the technology behind bespoke footwear and how small fit adjustments affect the swing.

p.78 · Fast Company
How McLaren's obsession with precision and detail won over Justin Rose. The crossover between automotive engineering and golf performance makes for an unexpected gearhead-golf hybrid story.

▸ Course / Tournament Previews

p.86 · Tough Love
Shinnecock Hills — this year's U.S. Open venue — examined for what makes it the sternest test in American golf. The article explains why the course's exposed terrain and firm greens separate contenders from the field.

p.92 · U.S. Open Preview
Six storylines to watch at the USGA's flagship event. Players to watch, course conditions and why Shinnecock's history matters.

▸ Gear

p.121 · New Gear
Titleist GTS drivers, TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter and a EUR 239 launch monitor put to the test. The budget launch monitor question is the most practical item in the issue — can cheap tech actually fix your swing?

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Editor's Take

This is a well-edited regional golf monthly that knows exactly who it serves: Irish golfers who care about Irish players, Irish courses and the three Irish professional tournaments on the summer calendar. The Aaron Rai PGA Championship coverage in Agenda is genuinely national-interest reporting, and the John Murphy resurrection story gives the issue heart. The Billy Horschel interview delivers the candor the headline promises. But the gear section, while practical, reads thin at only a few pages, and the Under Armour performance-centre feature at Stoke Park essentially functions as branded content — a Kingspan/Under Armour collaboration piece that never quite admits it. The "Freewheelin'" Brad Faxon caddie story is a charming closer. Best for: any Irish golfer planning their summer tournament schedule or following the Irish players on tour.

Strengths
• Strong Irish player focus with real access
• Aaron Rai PGA Championship coverage is timely
• Budget launch monitor test is genuinely useful

Weaknesses
• "Perfect Fit" feature reads as undisclosed branded content
• Gear section feels thin at only a few pages

Verdict: Recommended — The essential monthly for Irish golf followers, though non-Irish readers will find less to grab onto.