Sunday brought a 5 AM start and a quick spin around the course. A handful of groups would be out at 7:30 starting on 16. We raked 18 first as a large group (as we had done each day) and then split into our smaller groups to work through the back nine.

As we finished up at 15 the players were arriving on the 16^th tee so I decided to catch a few tee shots. After breakfast at the K Club employee canteen we returned to Lucan to rest up and watch the tournament when coverage started.

The storms of Saturday had cleared, and Danny Willett (in red) tees off to finish his third round.

I was thrilled to hear Gerry Byrne and the greenkeeping staff mentioned on the broadcast at least three times, including once when they mentioned the help he received from a group of Americans (that's us!). I haven't watched that many golf telecasts in the US, but I suspect the superintendent isn't mentioned nearly as often.

Rory McIlroy was leading by a shot or two for most of the day, but could never fully shake those in the hunt. We decided to head back to the course around 12:30 to catch the last half of the tournament. As we arrived at the maintenance facility, a group was already headed out to squeegee greens. Rain was coming down and play had been suspended. Just when you think you can kick back and enjoy the afternoon, Mother Nature makes other plans.

A few more stops and starts (including one for hail on the greens) and we headed with the rest of the crew to the 18^th green. Rory's approach shot on the 16^th was one for the ages. It was particularly memorable to watch as I had spent 6-7 hours on that hole (between bunker raking and filling divots) during the week.

There was nothing like being at the 18^th green with thousands of fans as we all welcomed the winner of the tournament. Rory didn't disappoint as he hit another great approach shot with his three wood from 253 yards away. The ball landed two feet from the pin and was an easy tap in for eagle.

Fans line the 18th green as they (and we) await Rory's arrival.

During the awards ceremony many mentions were made and thanks given to Gerry Byrne and the staff of greenkeepers. Rory said the course was phenomenal. He also posed with us immediately after receiving the trophy. I didn't even mind that he walked across a bunker I had raked several times during the week.

Rory during his speech: "To the greenkeeping team - the course was phenomenal. We will be back."

No worries, Rory. This is one of the many bunkers I raked this week.

Post-event, Mike O'Keeffe, Dana Chase and Pete Williams celebrate a job well done for the week.

Gerry Byrne sharing his thoughts, thanks and goodbyes with the crew Sunday night at the Lucan Spa Hotel.

The crew got another serving of traditional Irish music from the band Home Brew, this time with Mossy Daly from The Dutch sitting in on bodhran. 

Rory McIlroy's win and donation of 650,000 purse to charity makes front page news in all three national Irish papers.

Final thoughts and reflections to come, but for now its a flight back and the chance to determine just how to describe this incredible week to friends and family back home.