The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be played in Northern Ireland for a fourth time in September when Galgorm Castle hosts the event which has been switched from Mout Juliet

THE Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be played in Northern Ireland for the fourth time since 2012 when the Galgorm Castle Golf Club hosts September’s tournament.

It will be the first time the County Antrim venue has hosted Ireland’s national Open with the event moving into the date vacated by the rescheduling of the 2020 Ryder Cup to 2021.

But the event will lose its Rolex Series status for this year and the prize fund has been cut – in line with the events put on as part of the new UK Swing this summer.

The 2020 Ryder Cup would have been a celebration of Irish golf with three-time Major Champion Padraig Harrington captaining Europe in the contest at Whistling Straits.

The winner of the Open in 2007 and 2008 will become the third European captain from either side of the Irish border in the past four contests.

While the Ryder Cup will now take place next September, the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Galgorm from September 24-27.will mark a new chapter in the tournament’s history after the European Tour’s announcement about the switch of venue.

It was originally scheduled to take place at County Kilkenny’s Mount Juliet Estate, from May 28-31.

But it was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic at the end of March.

With quarantine restrictions for travellers into the Republic of Ireland ongoing – and the ban on mass gatherings still in place – the European Tour made the decision to move the tournament to Northern Ireland.

That will mean it will be subject to similar guidelines to the current ‘UK Swing’ events, including being played behind closed doors.

Mount Juliet will be working hard to stage the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in 2021

European Tour hope to return in ’21

PLANNING remains on-going for the tournament to return to Mount Juliet next year, providing all health guidelines in place at that time can be met.

This year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will have a prize fund of €1.25million and therefore will not be part of the Rolex Series.

The European Tour will announce full plans for the Rolex Series in due course, it said on Friday.

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will, however, continue to drive Ireland’s status as a future Ryder Cup host country. The Ryder Cup’s centenary and the centenary of the Irish Open both fall in 2027.

Chief executive Keith Pelley said: “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is an integral part of the European Tour’s schedule and despite the obvious challenges of staging any event in the current circumstances, we felt it was important to continue with the tournament providing we could do so safely.

“We did that, first and foremost with the support of Colm McLoughlin and everyone involved with our title sponsor Dubai Duty Free who once again showed commitment and understanding of the current global situation.

“We also did it with the support of the Northern Ireland Executive, who deserve our sincere thanks.

“With the ongoing restrictions in the Republic of Ireland, we opted to move the tournament to Northern Ireland, and are extremely grateful to Gary Henry and everyone at Galgorm Castle Golf Club for stepping up to host us.

“I also want to thank Damien Gaffney and everyone at Mount Juliet, our original venue.

“Everyone at the Kilkenny course was ready to host the tournament this year until circumstances outside their control made that an impossibility.

“Hopefully, things will be different next year to allow us to return.”

Sponsors put health and safety first

DUBAI Duty Free chief executive Colm McLoughlin emphasised that staging an event that put the safety of players, staff and volunteers was paramount.

Mr McLoughlin said: “We have been working closely with the European Tour over the past several months to find a way of staging the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open this year.

“The priority of course has been to stage an event that strictly follows all government protocols in light of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of players and all those involved in the event.

“We are pleased the Galgorm Castle Golf Club has been selected as a suitable venue, with the Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort as the official accommodation.

“Without a doubt, the tournament will be different this year, but we think the players and fans are going to enjoy this return to world-class golf on the island of Ireland.”

Diane Dodds, Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister, said: “It is wonderful to see top class golf return to Northern Ireland.

“After the success of the Open Championship at Royal Portrush last year and of recent Irish Opens in Portstewart, Royal County Down and Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland is proving once again that it is made for golf.

“I want to thank the European Tour and Tourism NI for its work in bringing this prestigious event to Northern Ireland – and to Galgorm for stepping in to host it.

“This will be another opportunity to showcase to the world how Northern Ireland and international golf work well together. I know it will be a huge success.”

Galgorm Castle has been a regular venue on the European Challenge Tour since 2013

Galgorm Castle will also host Northern Ireland Open

GALGORM Castle’s managing director Gary Henry said: “We are delighted to be the host venue for the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

“This outstanding tournament is steeped in history and we look forward to welcoming some of the best players in the world to Galgorm Castle Golf Club.

“To host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is an historic moment and wonderful opportunity to showcase the world-class facilities at Galgorm and demonstrates that Northern Ireland is open for business.”

The Challenge Tour’s Northern Ireland Open, supported by The R&A, will also be played at Galgorm at the start of September, he said.

Mr Henry added: “So the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be another welcome boost to the local economy.”

Tetrarch Capital director Damien Gaffney said: “Naturally everyone at Mount Juliet Estate is disappointed we cannot host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open this year.

“But we totally understand and appreciate the reasons why. We will continue to work with the European Tour and put our energies into staging the event here next year.”

Galgorm Castle Golf Club has hosted the Northern Ireland Open on the European Challenge Tour since 2013.

Last year it staged the innovative – the ISPS Handa World Invitational Men|Women tournament, presented by Modest! Golf Management, which featured both a men’s and women’s competition.

Royal Portrush became the first course north of the Irish border to host the Irish Open since 1953.

Welshman Jamie Donaldson claimed his maiden European Tour title on that occasion.

The event returned to Northern Ireland in 2015, when Dane Søren Kjeldsen won at Royal County Down. And in 2017 Spain’s Jon Rahm triumphed at Portstewart Golf Club, the first of his two Irish Open victories to date.

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Graeme McDowell will have to wait until 2021 to host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet after the 2020 tournament was called off due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis

THE European Tour has confirmed the postponement today of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open due to the continuing threat posed by the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The tournament was scheduled to be the European Tour’s second Rolex Series event of 2020, taking place at Mount Juliet Estate from May 28-31, with Major champion Graeme McDowell as host.

It brings the total number of events on the European Tour schedule either cancelled or postponed to 11 from the second week in March through to the end of May.

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “The decision to postpone the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open follows consultation with all stakeholders and was made with public health and well-being as our absolute priority.

“Our thoughts are with everyone right now and we are all united in trying to fight the spread of the pandemic.

“With this in mind, we will continue to evaluate all aspects of our 2020 European Tour schedule, and discussions on the rescheduling of postponed events will remain ongoing until we have clarity on the global situation.”

Dubai Duty Free chief executive Colm McLoughlin said: “We fully support the European Tour in their decision to postpone the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

“The most important thing right now is the health and safety of all the players, the spectators, the sponsors and organisers, so it’s the right decision.”

Tournament host McDowell said: “As important as the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is to all of us, everyone’s health is our only concern.

“My thoughts are with everyone affected by the crisis and I hope everyone keeps safe and well during these difficult times.”

McDowell had been looking forward to teeing it up at Kilkenny’s Mount Juliet, which hosted the World Golf Championship American Express Championship in 2002 and 2004.

The 2010 US Open Champion, who claimed the Saudi International in early February for his first win on the European Tour in more than five years, agreed to host the Irish Open in 2020 and 2021 before Christmas.

Mount Juliet will host the 2021 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open under the European Tour deal

Cancelled tournaments list grows

THE first four events called off by the European Tour were the Magical Kenya Open, the Hero Indian Open, the Volvo China Open and Malaysia’s Maybank Championship

The four events sandwiched the WGC Dell Technologies World Match Play and the Masters on the European Tour’s international schedule.

Two weeks ago, the European Tour postponed the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama, at the end of April, followed a week later by the Made in Denmark tournament in May, as well as cancelling the GolfSixes Casçais, in Portugal – the latter two events were planned for either side of the USPGA.

Speculation has continued over the past few days over whether the US Open at Winged Foot, in June, and the 149th Open Championship at Royal St George’s in July, will join the Masters and USPGA Championship in being postponed until later in the summer, or even autumn.

Rumours suggest the Augusta National Golf Club are looking at a date in early October for the Masters, with the USPGA possibly moving to a date in early August vacated by the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics last week.

The TPC Harding Park in San Francisco was set to host Brooks Keopka’s defence of the Sam Wanamaker Trophy in May, before the coronavirus pandemic spread to the USA from China.

The USGA, who organise the US Open are said to be close to making an announcement on their flagship event, with New York’s Long Island at the epicentre of the current COVID-19 outbreak in North America.

With talk of a possible quarantine of New York city and New York State, moving the US Open to another venue, or pushing it back to the autumn from its date in the third week of June, are the most likely option.

The European Tour has so far seen 11 events in 2020 either cancelled or postponed

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World No. 1 Rory McIlroy watched Tiger Woods win the World Golf Championshiop at Mount Juliet in 2002 – now he hopes he can win a second Irish Open at the Kilkenny course.

RORY McIlroy will make a much-anticipated return to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet Estate in May.

The four-time Major winner will join his fellow Northern Irishman, close friend and tournament host Graeme McDowell, when McIlroy tees it up at the second Rolex Series event of the 2020 Race to Dubai season.

The current World No. 1 will head a star-studded field which also includes defending champion Jon Rahm and the reigning Open Champion Shane Lowry, when the event takes place from May 28-31.

McIlroy will be targeting a second victory in an event which he himself hosted from 2015-18 – helping elevate the historic national open to become one of the European Tour’s eight premier Rolex Series events.

The 30-year-old famously lifted the trophy at the K Club in 2016, delighting the home crowds with a swashbuckling display down the stretch to hold off Scot Russell Knox – who went on to claim the title in 2017 – and Welshman Bradley Dredge.

“I’m looking forward to it a lot,” said McIlroy. “It’s a bit different going back for a May date as opposed to July, and at a parkland course at Mount Juliet.

“I’ve never played the course but got good memories – it was the first time I ever watched Tiger Woods play in person.

“My dad drove me down and we watched the WGC there and that was really cool, so it’ll be exciting to tee it up there myself and try to win a tournament there.”

Dubai Duty Free chief executive Colm McLoughlin said: “We are delighted Rory has confirmed his attendance at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet.

“Our involvement as title sponsor of the tournament began when Rory took on the hosting duties in 2015, and he did a great job in raising the profile of the event.

“We are looking forward to a great week in Kilkenny and working with Mount Juliet, the European Tour, this year’s host Graeme McDowell, Sport Ireland and all of the other entities to make this event a great success.”

Mount Juliet already boasts a prestigious list of winners after a three-year stint of hosting the event – with Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Sam Torrance winning in 1993, 1994 and 1995 respectively – and McIlroy will be hoping to join that list in May.

The luxury five-star resort in Kilkenny also hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf in 1997 – a challenge match between Tom Watson and Fred Couples, won by the latter – as well as the WGC-American Express Championship in 2002 and 2004 – won by Tiger Woods and Ernie Els respectively.

Buy early bird tickets by March 3

EARLY bird ticket prices begin at €13 for the Wednesday pro-am day, with Thursday and Friday day tickets available for a special price of €23.

Saturday and Sunday tickets begin at €27. Fans can enjoy five days of world-class golf and entertainment for only €83 if they purchase their season tickets prior to Tuesday, March 3.

Children under 12 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult.

Day junior tickets for kids aged between 12 and 17 years of age are €10 (season ticket €25), while students aged between 18 and 24 with valid ID, and over 65s, can buy concession tickets.

The latter cost €15 for Thursday and Friday, €20 for Saturday and Sunday (€60 for a season). Parking access can be purchased for €5 per day, or €10 to cover all five days.

The only official sales channel to purchase tickets is via ticketing platform Eventbrite by clicking here.

The resale of Dubai Duty Free Irish Open tickets on unofficial platforms contravenes the European Tour’s ticket terms and conditions and render the tickets void.

Official hospitality tickets are also available on the ticketing page, or by calling the Euorpean Tour sales team on (01344) 840681.

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Jon Rahm named Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Year after becoming the first Spaniard since Seve Ballesteros to be crowned European No. 1. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

REIGNING Race to Dubai Champion Jon Rahm has been named the 2019 Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Year.

Rahm was selected by a panel comprising members of the golfing media as the winner of the prestigious annual award.

A superb season saw Rahm claim two Rolex Series events, defend his national Open title and become the first Spaniard since Severiano Ballesteros to finish the year as European No. 1 – after sealing the Race to Dubai title in a dramatic finale to the 2019 campaign.

The 25-year-old finished tied ninth at The Masters, tied third in the US Open and was runner-up at the Estrella Damm Andalucia Valderrama Masters before securing his first European Tour title of the year at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

The latter victory was his third Rolex Series victory in the space of three years.

Rahm came close to claiming another Rolex Series title in September, finishing runner-up to Danny Willett at the BMW PGA Championship, at Wentworth, after rounds of 66, 67, 68 and 70 on his debut in the event.

On home soil, at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, Rahm defended a title for the first time in his career as he won the Mutuactivos Open de España in the Spanish capital.

The Spaniard stormed to victory in front of an adoring home crowd, carding a third round of 63 to take a five-stroke lead, which he then maintained as he finished on 22-under for the week.

His remarkable consistency throughout 2019 gave him the opportunity to win the Race to Dubai for the first time in his career at the final event of the season – Dubai’s DP World Tour Championship – an event he previously won in 2017.

Rahm shared the lead going into the final round, and then secured the victory on the 18^th hole at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

He got up and down from a greenside bunker for birdie to hold off the challenge of 2017 Race to Dubai Champion Tommy Fleetwood.

It was his fourth Rolex Series title win of the year for the richest first prize in tournament golf – $3million – and the 2019 Race to Dubai crown.

Rahm became just the second Spaniard in history to win the Harry Vardon Trophy as European No. 1, following in Ballesteros’s footsteps.

Seve won the European Tour’s Order of Merit for the sixth and final time in 1991. Rahm now joins Ballesteros (1986, ’88 and ’91) and Sergio Garcia (2017) as the third Spaniard to receive the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year award.

“It is a huge honour for me to be named the Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Year,” said Rahm, who announced as the winner at a lunch held at The Biltmore Mayfair Hotel in London.

“To emulate another of Seve’s achievements in winning this award is very humbling, and I’m so proud of what I have achieved this year.

“To win both the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and DP World Tour Championship for a second time, as well as defend the Open de España, were all incredible moments.

“But to finish the year as winner of the Race to Dubai is something I’m incredibly proud of achieving at this early stage in my career.”

RAHM WINS RACE TO DUBAI AND $5m PRIZE

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “The 2019 European Tour season had so many stand-out moments, not least the dramatic finale at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai – when Jon earned his place in European Tour history, joining the legendary Seve Ballesteros as the only other Spaniard to become Europe’s No. 1 player.

“For Jon to win the Race to Dubai in the manner that he did, with so much pressure on that final hole, simply underlines what an incredible competitor he is.

“However, this award also recognises the hugely impressive standard of his performances across the year.

“It demonstrates the strength we have on the European Tour that there were a number of worthy contenders for this award, including Shane Lowry, who narrowly missed out despite winning The Open and a Rolex Series event.

“Jon has a wonderful future ahead of him and he is undoubtedly a deserving winner of the 2019 Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Year award.”

Panellist Alistair Tait, senior writer at Golfweek, said: “This was one of the most keenly debated Golfer of Year panels we’ve had for a number of years, with Shane Lowry’s unforgettable victory in The Open Championship at Royal Portrush the standout performance of 2019 on the European Tour – and an iconic moment in our sport.

“But after much discussion, Jon’s remarkably high standard of performance across the season tipped the scales in his favour as he became only the second Spaniard after the legendary Seve to become European No. 1.

“His three victories were each hugely impressive in their own right and each achieved on very different golf courses, underlining how rounded Jon is as an elite player.

“Like Seve was before him, Jon will be a central figure in European golf for many years to come, and he is a very worthy winner of the Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Year award.”

•To see the final Race to Dubai standings for 2019 click here.

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2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open host Graeme McDowell will be playing at Mount Juliet Estate in the Rolex Series event

MAJOR champion and Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell will host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the next two years – beginning at Mount Juliet Estate, in May.

The 40-year-old succeeds Rory McIlroy and, latterly, Paul McGinley as tournament host of the historic event.

His stint will begin at the iconic County Kilkenny venue, which hosts the island of Ireland’s national open for the first time in 25 years from May 28-31, 2020, while the 2021 venue is yet to be confirmed.

Former Ryder Cup captain McGinley hosted what was regarded as a hugely successful edition at Lahinch Golf Club last year following McIlroy’s four-year stint as host,.

During that time the tournament flourished, becoming part of the European Tour’s prestigious Rolex Series in 2017.

McDowell is now looking forward to building on these strong foundations over the next two years.

The 2020 Irish Open will become the second Rolex Series event of the year when it returns to Ireland, although McDowell would love to host the event in Northern Ireland in another 12 months’ time.

“It’s a huge privilege to have the opportunity to host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in both 2020 and 2021,” said Portrush native McDowell.

“The event has gone from strength to strength over the last few years with the support of Dubai Duty Free and the efforts of Rory and Paul as hosts, alongside everybody at the European Tour.

“I’m really looking forward to taking on that responsibility over the next two years and adding to the history of this great tournament, which has become a global spectacle that Irish golf fans can be proud of.

“Our island is famous for its incredible golf courses and passionate golf fans, both north and south of the border, and obviously I would love to bring the event to Northern Ireland in 2021.

“But my focus now is on next year at Mount Juliet Estate and making sure that is another world-class sporting occasion.”

McDowell’s two-year spell as host of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be another significant entry in his already-impressive CV.

He has won 10 times on the European Tour including the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach – when he famously became the first European winner in 40 years.

Later that year he claimed the winning point in Europe’s 14½-13½ victory in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

McDowell has played four times overall in the biennial contest, winning nine points, while he was a vice-captain for the first time under Thomas Bjørn at Le Golf National last year.

Colm McLoughlin, chief executive of Dubai Duty Free, said: “We are very pleased Graeme McDowell will take on the role of host for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for 2020 and 2021.

“Graeme has always proved himself to be a wonderful sports person who can perform and compete at the highest levels.

“His vast experience and talent will no doubt further grow the interest among both players and fans in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

“Mount Juliet will be a magnificent venue for 2020, it is a stunning parkland course and is often referred to as a ‘great spectator course’ by fans.

“We are looking forward to working with Graeme and the European Tour over the coming months and wish him the best of luck in his work.”

Damien Gaffney, director of Tetrarch – the owners of Mount Juliet Estate – said: “We are delighted with the announcement that Graeme McDowell will be our host here next year and it will be a pleasure to welcome Graeme back to the estate.

“Graeme has played our course previously during the 2004 American Express Championship, and now to welcome him as host of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is fantastic news and we really hope he enjoys the overall experience.

“To have a Major champion such as Graeme hosting this wonderful event is an honour for all of us here at Mount Juliet Estate.”

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “We were delighted when Graeme expressed the desire to host the Dubai Duty Irish Open for the next two years.

“Not only is he a Major champion and Ryder Cup legend, but he is also a terrific ambassador for our game.

“I am certain that he will enjoy the role of host and he will be a great success in it, building on the work of Rory and Paul.

“Having Graeme as host for the next two years allows us to plan and maximise the many opportunities that exist across Ireland for both editions.”

Tiger Woods and Ernie Els won WGC-American Express title at Mount Juliet

MOUNT Juliet previously hosted three consecutive editions of the Irish Open from 1993-95 – won respectively by Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Sam Torrance.

The luxury five-star resort also hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf in 1997, a challenge match between Tom Watson and Fred Couples, won by the latter.

The World Golf Championship’s American Express Championship was held there in 2002 and 2004 – with Tiger Woods and Ernie Els winning respectively.

Early bird ticket prices for the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open begin at €13 for the Wednesday pro-am day, with Thursday and Friday day tickets available for a special price of €23.

Saturday and Sunday tickets begin at €27. Fans can enjoy five days of world-class golf and entertainment for only €83 if they purchase their early bird season tickets before March 3.

Children under 12 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult. Day junior tickets for those aged between 12 and 17 years of age are €10 (€25 for a season ticket) while students aged between 18 and 24, and over 65s, can buy concession tickets at €15 for Thursday and Friday, €20 for Saturday and Sunday (€60 for a season ticket).

Parking access can be purchased for €5 per day, or €10 for a season ticket which covers all five days.

Official tickets can be found online at Eventbrite by clicking here. The resale of tickets on unofficial platforms will render the ticket void. the European Tour warns.

Official hospitality tickets are also available on the ticketing page, or by contacting the European Tour’s sales team on (01344) 840681 or by emailing hospitality@europeantour.com

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Graeme McDowell is looking forward to teeing it up in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Lahinch Golf Club, in County Clare

MAJOR champion Graeme McDowell will be targeting a second win of the 2019 season when he returns to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open this July, after the Northern Irishman claimed his first international title in four years last week.

The 2010 US Open Champion is a popular figure on Irish soil and is sure to receive a hero’s welcome from the home fans at the second Rolex Series event of the year, following his 15^th professional victory in the Dominican Republic, on the PGA Tour, on Sunday.

He joins 2018 Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood, former World Number One Lee Westwood and fellow Major winners Louis Oosthuizen and Danny Willett, among others, in what is shaping up to be a world-class field for the July showpiece.

McDowell will return to the majestic County Clare links 19 years after winning there as an amateur in the South of Ireland Championship.

This year’s event will be hosted by Paul McGinley and, having signed up a number of international stars to play, the winning 2014 European Ryder Cup captain will also be joined by a host of local heroes, including three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington, who will captain Europe in the 2020 Ryder Cup, and the most recent Rolex Series winner Shane Lowry.

McDowell, a 10-time European Tour winner and three-time Ryder Cup winner for Europe – including winning three points from three matches under McGinley in the 2014 victory – has been an ever-present at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open since his debut European Tour season in 2002.

McDowell said: “I think this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is going to be a really special one.

“It’s obviously a tournament which I prioritise on my schedule every year, but Lahinch Golf Club and the town of Lahinch are really going to provide a unique experience for the players and the fans.

“The Irish golf fans are some of the best in the world, and with The Open Championship two weeks later in Portrush, it’s sure to be an incredible few weeks.

“After my win last week in the Dominican Republic, I’m feeling really confident about the summer ahead and hopefully I can bring my A-game to Lahinch.”

McDowell will be reunited in Ireland with hs 2014 Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley (left), the host of this summer’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

A world-class field is now coming together for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, which is expected to provide a festival atmosphere and fan experience like no other, with the popular tourist village of Lahinch right on the doorstep of the famous links course.

Last year’s event – hosted by Rory McIlroy’s charitable foundation – attracted 94,239 spectators to Ballyliffin Golf Club, where Russell Knox dramatically secured his first Rolex Series title with a play-off victory against Kiwi Ryan Fox.

Scotsman Knox holed an incredible 40-foot birdie putt on the 72^nd hole to force a play-off against the New Zealander and then sank an almost identical putt on the first extra hole to clinch victory.

Tickets for the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open are on sale at www.dubaidutyfreeirishopen.com and begin at €23 for the pro-am on Wednesday.

Single tickets on Thursday or Friday are €30 while day tickets at the weekend cost €35 each.

An adult season ticket, which covers five days of world-class golf from Wednesday to Sunday, begins at €110.

Children under 12 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult.

Day junior tickets (12-17 years old) are €10 (€30 for a season ticket) while those aged between 18 and 21, as well as students with valid student cards and over 60s, will pay €20 per day (€80 for the week).

The only official sales channel to purchase tickets is via Eventbrite

Official Hospitality tickets are also available online or by calling 01344 840681.

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