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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Dundee’s Connor Syme claimed victory in the second leg of the BMW Indoor Invitational wiht an eight-under par round of 64 using a TrackMan simulator of Royal Portrush, on Saturday.

CONNOR Syme shot an eight-under par round of 64 to secure a two-shot victory to claim the second of the BMW Indoor Invitational played over simulators featuring Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links.

The Scot finished top of a leaderboard featuring 28 European Tour players in the second of five events in the new series of virtual golf tournaments – powered by TrackMan – using the latest simulator technology.

Following his victory at the Northern Irish venue, which hosted the 148^th Open Championship in 2019, Syme claimed the first prize of €10,000 towards a charity of his choice.

The 24-year-old opted to split the winner’s cheque between two charities – FoodTrain, which supplies meals to the elderly in Dundee,, and Hospice of the Valleys, a charity close to Syme’s heart which provides palliative care.

Syme and the rest of the field – including the winner of last week’s inaugural BMW Indoor Invitational Joost Luiten – competed virtually over the historic links layout from their own homes in the one round, 18-hole strokeplay event.

Flying Scotsman’s fast start

CONNOR SYME got off to a flying start, birdieing the first two holes and picking up two more shots on the sixth and seventh, before his first bogey of the day on the eighth hole.

His round really picked up pace after the turn in an impressive five-hole stretch with an eagle on the 12^th – bookended by two birdies either side.

Despite a second bogey on the 15^th hole, it was enough to secure a two-shot win over Dutchman Will Besseling and Somerset’s Lawrie Canter, following their six-under rounds of 66.

“Seeing the scores from last week I wasn’t really sure how I would fare,” said Syme. “But it was great to get a good score around Royal Portrush.

“I played solid on the front nine and then I just went crazy for a few holes 10 through 14 – that was a cool run to go on.

“It was my first time competing in something like this on TrackMan, so I really had no idea what a good score would be. But I was very happy with the numbers.

“I’ve actually been following a program with Spencer Henderson, the Scotland U18 national coach.

“He’s been keeping us busy on TrackMan, so I probably owe a lot of this win to him. I don’t know how sharp I would have been otherwise.”

Connor Syme read about Stuart Hearn and decided to hand half of his $10,000 prize from the BMW Indoor Invitational to the Food Train charity where the football ref volunteered

Syme moved by Stuart’s story

THE new champion was pleased to be able to make a difference to two causes that are close to him for different reasons.

“Having an opportunity to make a difference with what is going on in the world is great,” said Syme.

“I’m honoured to have won and have the opportunity to hopefully change a few peoples lives.

“Half of my donation will be made to Food Train in memory of Sean Hearn, who I read about this week.

“He was a really valued member of the community in Dundee, a proud charity worker and a community football coach and referee, who gave up his time for others in the town where I live.

“Food Train is the charity he worked with and it distributes food and gives support to elderly people in the city.

“Stories like Sean’s and so many others are reminders of the people who are constantly putting themselves out there, and how many incredible people we have lost during this crisis.

“The remaining $5,000 will go to Hospice of the Valleys. A bit further away from home, but very much close to our hearts.

“My girlfriend’s grandfather unfortunately passed away a couple of days ago after a two-year battle with bowel cancer.

“Hospice of the Valleys have been with him every step of the way and $5,000 would mean a lot to them as it could offer more than a month of service towards someone like my girlfriend’s grandad – an incredible cause.”

Spain’s Adri Arnaus finished in fourth

SPAIN’S Adri Arnaus finished in fourth place at Royal Portrush behind Syme, Besseling and Canter with a four-under par round of 68.

Last week’s winner Luiten – playing in the interactive feature group with Cheshire’s ex-England Amateur Champion Paul Waring – was a shot further back alongside Norwegian Kristoffer Reitan.

Germany’s two-time Major winner Martin Kaymer finished in a tie for 13^th place after an even-par 72.

Fans were able to follow the tournament with footage shown on the European Tour’s social media channels and also streamed on the internet.

Footage can still be seen on Twitter – @europeantour and Instagram – @europeantour was well as on the European Tour’s YouTube channel and at https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

BMW Indoor Invitational venues and dates:
Saturday May 9 – Old Course, St Andrews (Winner, Joost Luiten)
Saturday May 16 – Royal Portrush (Winner, Connor Syme)
Saturday May 23 – Golfclub München Eichenried
Saturday May 30 – Real Club Valderrama
Saturday June 6 – Wentworth Club

Each of the five tournament winners in the BMW Indoor Invitational will receive $10,000 towards a good cause of their choice.

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A FIELD of 29 European Tour players will take on Royal Portrush in the second event in the European Tour’s BMW Indoor Invitational.

Dutchman Joost Luiten won the inaugural virtual golf tournament – powered by Trackman – last Saturday.

The five-time European Tour winner finished two shots clear of the field over St Andrews’ Old Course using the latest simulator technology.

Luiten is in the field once again and will comprise this week’s interactive feature group with Englishman Paul Waring.

The 2018 Nordea Masters winner is among the new additions to the field along with fellow European Tour winners Alex Levy and Wiltshire’s Jordan Smith.

They join a line-up which includes former World No. 1 and two-time Major champion Martin Kaymer.

They will take on Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links. The Northern Ireland links course hosted the 148^th Open Championship in 2019 – won by Shane Lowry.

He joined Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington as the only golfers from either side of the Irish border to lift the Claret Jug since Fred Daly’s famous win at Hoylake, in 1947.

Follow European Tour action online

LUITEN has never recorded back to back victories in real life tournaments – but he has the chance to achieve the feat virtually this weekend.

Joost said: “I’ve been practising a bit indoors, probably once or twice a week during lockdown to keep the swing going.

“So it was fun to shoot six-under on the Old Course last week and win the inaugural BMW Tackman Invitational. Let’s hope that form continues!

“Royal Portrush is a great track. I played last year’s Open there and it was a good test, so hopefully the weather is a little bit kinder than what we had on Sunday.

“To play these types of famous golf courses, it’s just a lot of fun. That is the great thing with these indoor facilities.

“You can play any course you want, and I think that is really cool for everybody to experience.”

Tournament footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational series will once again be shown on the European Tour’s social media channels and at https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com.

Fans can follow using #BMWTrackManInvitational. The winner will receive $10,000 to benefit a coronavirus charity or relief fund of his choice.

The new Dunluce Links’ seventh hole at Royal Portrush which architect Martin Ebert redesigned before the 2019 Open returned to Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951

Waring far from wary about joining field of 29 European Tour players at ‘Royal Portrush’

PAUL Waring is looking forward to pitting his wits against fellow European Tour players using the online simulator.

Waring said: “It’s an innovation really. I have an indoor studio and use Trackman every week when I am away on Tour.

Paul Waring, winner of the Nordea Masters in 2018, is joining the BMW Indoor Invitaational field playing Royal Portrush, on Saturday, using a golf simulator

“So it’s a fantastic idea to introduce the tournament concept because a lot of the lads use the system as well already – so it is great to compete on it.

“I’ve had a little play with it. The short game element takes a little bit of getting used too, but it is one of those things you adapt to quickly as a player.

“I’m looking forward to it – looking forward to the competitive element and a little bit of banter along the way that we all love in sports as well – so can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve got some great memories of Royal Portrush. It was one of the first places I played when I came back from injury back in 2012 at the Irish Open – finished top 10 there.

“So it’s deeply burned into my memory and some real positives that have come from there,” added Cheshire’s former English Amateur Champion, who also captained England Boys before turning pro.

Footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational will be shown from 11am on the European Tour’s social media channels.

Check it out on Twitter: @europeantour
Instagram: @europeantour
YouTube: EuropeanTour
and at https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

After Royal Portrush, the European Tour players will tackle Golfclub München Eichenried, on May 23, Real Club Valderrama (May 30) and Wentworth Club (June 6).

Full field for second in BMW Indoor Invitational series

The full field of European Tour players at Royal Portrush includes:
1. Thomas Aiken
2. Adri Arnaus
3. Wil Besseling
4. Dean Burmester
5. Laurie Canter
6. Aaron Cockerill
7. Sebastian Garcia
8. Joachim B Hansen
9. Benjamin Hebert
10. Raphaël Jacquelin
11. Martin Kaymer
12. Maximilian Kieffer
13. Alexander Levy
14. Zander Lombard
15. Mike Lorenzo-Vera
16. Joost Luiten
17. Adrian Meronk
18. Wilco Nienaber
19. Mathieu Pavon
20. Damien Perrier
21. Kristoffer Reitan
22. Antoine Rozner
23. Matthias Schwab
24. Jason Scrivener
25. Jordan Smith
26. Connor Syme
27. Paul Waring
28. Jeff Winther

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Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood and Bernd Wiesberger have entered the BMW Indoor Invitational which will feature five top European Tour courses over the next five weeks. Pictures by GETTY IMAGES

MARTIN Kaymer and Lee Westwood will go head-to-head from their own homes as the European Tour switches formats for the new BMW Indoor Invitational.

The eSport special is a series of virtual golf tournaments using the latest simulator technology powered by TrackMan that will run over the summer featuring courses including St Andrews, Royal Portrush, Valderrama and the European Tour’s Wentworth HQ, in Surrey.

With regular tournament action currently suspended due to the ongoing global fight against the spread of coronavirus, many leading professionals have been turning to solutions at home to try and keep their game in shape.

Thanks to the latest TrackMan software and simulators, they have been able to keep their golf brain sharp.

So as well as Ryder Cup stars Kaymer and Westwood, Joost Luiten, Mike Lorenzo-Vera, Bernd Wiesberger will start off the BMW challenge.

Players will compete remotely using their home set-up between Monday and Wednesday.

The action will then be shown on the European Tour’s social media channels each Saturday for the next five weeks:

The BMW Indoor Invitational will enable them to compete against each other, with golf fans able to watch all the action – using #BMWTrackManInvitational – on Youtube, Instagram and Twitter.

Tournament footage will also be available via https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

Martin Kaymer playing on a simulator using Trackman technology which will be used in the new European Tour online tournament which will run throughout May and early June

The new series will consist of five one-round strokeplay tournaments played virtually on some of Europe’s most iconic golf courses.

Winner will receive £10k for charity

Each tournament winner will receive $10,000 towards their chosen charity or relief fund which has been helping communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saturday May 9 – St Andrews, Old Course
Saturday May 16 – Royal Portrush
Saturday May 23 – Golfclub München Eichenried
Saturday May 30 – Valderrama
Saturday June 6 – Wentworth

Rufus Hack, the European Tour’s chief content officer, said: “While the absolute priority for all of us has been, and continues to be, public health and well-being, we also recognise that golf fans are missing watching the leading players compete.

Hopefully, the BMW Indoor Invitational – powered by TrackMan – can help fill the void and provide our fans with some entertainment across the next five weeks while also benefitting charities, or relief funds, which have been so essential in the battle against coronavirus.”

Jörn Plinke, head of BMW Golfsport marketing, said: “In a time when pro golf tours around the world are being forced to take a break, we are able to offer golf fans – as well as the pros themselves – a unique competition in the form of the BMW Indoor Invitational.

“We are looking forward to the coming weeks, an innovative format, and some exciting digital content.

“BMW enjoys long-term partnerships with TrackMan and the European Tour and shares the aspiration to also drive golf further with a digital format.

“Together, we have managed to create a new type of competition, which features a host of top players and, with the prize money on offer, supports local coronavirus initiatives.”

Trackman co-founder Klaus Eldrup-Jørgensen said: “BMW, the European Tour and TrackMan teaming up like this is a great example of how the sport can come together and rise above the difficulties of the current situation.

“With TrackMan Virtual Golf, we’re able to play tournaments on iconic, internationally recognised courses that will push the players to their limits.

“The tournament will be extremely challenging but also great fun. We’re all really looking forward to it.”

EUROPEAN TOUR LAUNCHES ESPORTS SERIES – THE EUROPEAN ETOUR

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Curtis Knipes faces a final round challenge from two-time European Challenge Tour winner Sebestien Gross who trails the Essex rookie by three shots in the MENA Tour’s NewGiza Open

CURTIS Knipes faces a final day threat from France’s European Challenge Tour winner Sebastien Gros in the MENA Tour’s NewGiza Open.

Rookie Knipes may well have to rely on his three shot cushion as he seeks a maiden win in his just his second MENA event.

The two-time Essex Amateur Champion, from Chelmsford Golf Club, played in the tougher afternoon session to stay ahead of the field

The teenage pro shot a four-under par 68 in the second round of the $75,000 NewGiza Open, the first-ever MENA Tour event in Egypt.

The 19-year-old former England junior started the day from the 10th tee with a two-shot lead at NewGiza Golf Club, which has Cairo’s famous Pyramids as a a backdrop.

Curtis made the turn at one-under par with a bogey on the 18th.

Knipes’ second nine was even better as he picked up three shots without dropping any to take his 36-hole aggregate to 10-under, having shot 66 on Tuesday.

“I was happy with that round. It’s always good to follow up a good first round with a solid second to keep yourself in contention,” said Knipes, who qualified for last year’s at Open at Royal Portrush.

Knipes, who is playing only his second event as a professional, added: “Tomorrow is obviously a big day for me.

“It’s the first time leading the MENA Tour and being in the final group of the day. I will just try and approach it as I have done every other day.

“I can’t control what others are doing. I am just going to go out there and shoot the lowest round that I can,” said the 2018 English County Champion of Champions.

England’s 19-year-old Bailey Gill shot the best round of the tournament so far – a seven-under par 65 – to climb to second place at nine-under.

Twenty-two-year-old Gill, who hails from Worksop and plays at Lindrick Golf Club, started with a bogey on the 10th hole, his only mistake of the day.

“It was very cold out there in the morning and I was first off, said the player from the same Nottinghamshire town as Lee Westwood.

Gill added: “I hit a driver and wedge into the 10th yesterday, and it was a driver, three-iron today.

“But I played well after that,” said Gill, who matched the course record at NewGiza Golf Club.

“I will continue doing what I have been doing so far. Just stick to my notes and put up a performance that is hopefully good enough.”

Gros ‘lost motivation’ with no card

SEBASTIEN Gros, who lost his European Tour card after the 2018 season, was bogey-free for his round and hoping to get back to winner’s circle tomorrow.

The former European Tour player, who is a two-time winner on the Challenge Tour, was in tied third place alongside the promising Swede Niclas Weiland.

Both players shot successive round of four-under par 68

Gros said: “Always happy with a bogey-free round. I played well and hit 17 greens in regulation so I did not have to worry too much about getting my pars.

“I just wish I was as efficient as yesterday on the greens, but I should not complain after a 68,” added Gros.

“It was good to finish with a tap-in birdie on the 18^th after I missed chances on every hole from the 14^th to 17^th.

“The last year was very disappointing, but it was very hard to motivate myself to play on the Challenge Tour after spending three years at the highest level on the European Tour,” said Gros giving an insight into the mental challenges players face trying to get to the top.

“My friends told me some very good things about the MENA Tour and how it can be a great preparation for the season, and I decided to come” said Sebastien.

“Hopefully, tomorrow I will be in contention over the last nine holes.”

Conor Purcell, the promising young star from Ireland, was even par for the five par-five holes on the new Egyptian course.

But the last year’s Walker Cup player – who claimed the 2019 Australia Amateur Championship, still shot a 67 to rise to fifth place on seven-under.

The Portmarnock member, who made his first appearance in a pro event in last year’s ISPS Handa Vic Open while still an amateur, made his pro debut in November’s New South Wales Open, having reached No. 10 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Purcell, who has signed for American management firm Wasserman, also received an invite into the Emirates Australian Open, at The Australian GC, in December, as the Australian Amateur Champion, but missed the cut by seven shots.

•Click here for live scoring from the third and final round of the NewGiza Open.

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Shane Lowry is the second big name to sign up for the Irish Open which Graeme McDowell will host at Kilkenny’s Mount Juliet, over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.

SHANE Lowry will make his first appearance on home soil since claiming his maiden Major title at the 2019 Open Championship, as he seeks a second Irish Open title, in May.

The World No. 16 will target a second Rolex Series title, when Mount Juliet Estate hosts the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open on May 28-31, 2020.

The Offaly player is expected to receive a hero’s welcome at Mount Juliet in May – where Saudi International winner Graeme McDowell assumes the mantle as tournament host.

Lowry will be aiming to become only the second Irishman to win the island of Ireland’s national open on multiple occasions, after Harry Bradshaw (1947 and 1949).

The 32-year-old lifted the Claret Jug in front of the delirious home crowds at Royal Portrush Golf Club, in July.

His fist Major confirmed his status as an Irish sporting legend. It was Lowry’s second victory of a career-defining season, which also included a maiden Rolex Series title at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship earlier in the year.

“I can’t wait to tee it up in front of my home crowds at Mount Juliet in May,” said Lowry, who famously won his home open as an amateur in 2009.

“It’s always such an honour to play in front of the Irish fans and they have always been so supportive of me.

“They played such a massive part in my win at Portrush last July, so teeing up as Open champion at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be a great moment.

“With Graeme hosting the event – I know he’s keen to build on the momentum in Irish golf at the moment – and the fact it will be the May Bank Holiday weekend in Ireland, I think it’s going to make for an incredible festival atmosphere at Mount Juliet, much like Lahinch last year.

“I am honestly so excited for it,” said Shane, who was one of the first players to greet McDowell as he reached the scorer’s hut at the Royal Greens & Country Club, after his superb Saudia Arabian triumph, on Sunday.

Lowry joins World No. 3 Jon Rahm as the second superstar to be officially confirmed for the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, where the Spanish talent will defend his title.

Rahm will target a third victory in the historic national open having triumphed at Lahinch Golf Club, in 2019.

Mount Juliet Estate already boasts a prestigious list of winners after a three-year stint of hosting the event – with Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Sam Torrance winning there in 1993, 1994 and 1995 respectively.

And Rahm will be hoping to join another prestigious list this May as he seeks his third Irish Open win in four years, having picked up his first at Portstewart, in Northern Ireland, in 2017.

Mount Juliet’s 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.

It was won by the latter, and was also the venue for the WGC-American Express Championship in 2002 and 2004 – won by Tiger Woods and Ernie Els respectively.

Early bird tickets offer cheaper prices for fans heading to Irish Open in late May

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 beginning 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 between 12 and 17 years of age are €10 (€25 for a season ticket) while students aged between 18 and 24 with valid student cards, and over 65s, can avail themselves of a discounted ticket.

They 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 for a season parking ticket which covers all five days.

The only official sales channel to purchase tickets for this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is via the ticketing platform Eventbrite.

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

Official hospitality tickets are also available on the ticketing page, or alternatively contact the European Tour’s dedicated hospitality sales team by calling (01344) 840681.

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Tiverton GC’s Harry Konig, who qualified to play in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic last month, returns to Ayla Golf Club where he won the MENA Tour Championship in November.

DEVON’S Harry Konig returned to the scene of the greatest triumph of his career so far, hoping to capitalize on his happy memories when he won the Journey to Jordan Tour Championship in November.

The 2020 season of the MENA Tour by Arena gets under way today (Monday) with the $75,000 Journey to Jordan No. 1 at Jordan’s stunning Greg Norman-designed Ayla Golf Club in Aqaba.

Among the several intriguing storylines at the start of the season is Konig, who was celebrating his 25th birthday on Sunday.

“It is very special to come back to this place. The win last year was life-changing for me,” said Konig.

“I have been in Aqaba for the past four days and played nine holes every day, and I have tried to recreate all the pivotal moments from last year, like the pin location on the 18^th hole on Sunday – and trying to hit shots there,” added Konig.

The West Country golfer secured a spot in this year’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic with that win.

And even though he missed the cut at the Majlis course, Harry enjoyed every moment of it – having admitted he had come close to quitting golf.

“It was the best moment of my life, without a shadow of doubt. I would have liked to score much better,” added Konig.

MENA Journey to Jordan winner Konig: ‘I almost quit’

“I am disappointed, but I am not going to worry about that too much. I prepared really well for that week and I felt comfortable the whole week – but it was a very tough set-up,” said the Tiverton GC member.

“The good thing is that because of Desert Classic, I have spent a lot of time over the Christmas and New Year’s time practicing. I think it is only going to help me play better this season.

“My expectations have definitely changed after last year.

“It’s more knowing in your own head that you can get over the line. I am now going to play to win, rather than just being there.”

Essex’s former England junior international Curtis Knipes – who qualified for The Open Championship at Royal Portrushl last summer, turned pro over the winter. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

Knipes can’t wait to make pro debut

ESSEX’S Curtis Knipes is another player looking forward to a big season on Arena’s MENA Tour having joined the pro ranks over the winter.

Knipes was one of the most consistent amateurs last year on the MENA Tour, finishing second in the Amateur Journey to Jordan.

The 19-year-old former England junior international also qualified for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush last summer after coming through Regional Qualifying at Surrey’s Burhill GC, and then sharing top spot in Final Qualifying at Prince’s, in Kent.

“Very excited about this new chapter in my life,” said Knipes. “Obviously, made this decision to turn pro a couple of months ago.

“I was edging towards it last year, but given the opportunities I have, not only on the MENA Tour but other Tours as well, I think this is the right time.

“I would have been fairly up there on the MENA Tour Order of Merit if I were a pro last year, and then playing the Open Championship gave me a lot of confidence that I can compete with the best.

“It would be nice to win the Journey to Jordan this year and get one of those spots at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

“That’s the main goal, but I also want to be consistent throughout the season and make some money,” added the Abridge member, who played for Essex Boys, Men’s and Colts team over the past five years.

•To follow Harry Konig and Curtis Knipes’ progess in the Journey to Jordan No. 1 click here for live scoring.

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‘Iron Golfer’ Luke Willett (right) on the tee at Royal Birkdale with the club’s junior captain Josh Fallows, Golf Foundation development officer Andy Leigh

‘IRON Golfer’ Luke Willett is asking for support to complete The Great British Open Challenge having played 10 Open Championship courses and cycling 500 miles in just over six days.

As Luke holed out on the 18th at Royal Birkdale today (Thursday) he was making steady progress towards playing all 14 Open Championship venues as part of a gruelling 10-day trek, totalling more than 800 miles on two wheels with his golf clubs on his back.

Luke is raising funds for the Golf Foundation – putting his body on the line to support the charity that changes young people’s lives by introducing them to golf.

And he is appealing for the UK’s golf community to help him meet his financial target by sponsoring his efforts this month – from Fife to Sandwich, in Kent, where he will end his latest marathon.

So far Willett, a PGA professional at Hampstead Golf Club, has endured mammoth sections of cycling in sometimes “nightmarish” weather conditions on often dark and unfamiliar roads.

Luke has been soaked to the skin by passing lorries and cars and gone through periods of exhaustion and severe muscular and mental fatigue.

The 35-year-old now needs the financial backing of golf-lovers everywhere who understand the benefits of supporting the next generation of young players and helping national charity the Golf Foundation.

After striking his opening tee shot just after dawn at Carnoustie Golf Links last Friday (October 18), Luke cycled to St Andrews.

And with just four golf clubs – three-wood, six-iron, wedge and putter – Luke shot 73 on the Old Course before cycling 60 miles in torrential rain, flooded roads and heavy traffic to Edinburgh.

Luke said: “Each time a car flew past me it was like having a bathtub of ice cold water thrown over me!”

Arriving at midnight, Luke poured water out of his shoes before getting up again at 5.30am to ride to play Muirfield and Royal Musselburgh on Saturday.

Finally, better weather reached him on Sunday as he played Royal Troon and Prestwick on Scotland’s West Coast, before completing his Scottish odyssey on Monday in sunshine at Trump Turnberry.

After a ferry to Northern Ireland from Stranraer so he could play Royal Portrush, in Northern Ireland, on Tuesday, it was back over the Irish Sea to England on the ferry to play the six English Open venues, starting in the North West at Royal Lytham & St Annes yesterday.

He then made the journey down the Lancashire coast to Royal Birkdale and Royal Liverpool today.

Willett will finish at Royal St George’s on Sunday, after playing Deal’s Royal Cinque Ports, and Prince’s after the long ride to Kent this weekend.

You can support Luke’s incredible marathon by going to Luke’s JustGiving page.

Golf Foundation head of fundraising Vanessa Bell said: “The whole Golf Foundation team has been hugely impressed with Luke’s spirit and energy.

“We hope people are starting to realise just how mentally and physically exhausting the challenge has been.

“We are a charity and hope Luke’s adventure can now inspire golf-lovers up and down the UK to put something back into the game for the next generation.

“We will be hugely grateful for any donations large or small in the days ahead – donating the equivalent of the price of a golf ball would be a brilliant gesture in itself.”

Luke, who hails from Buckinghamshire, said: “I have never experienced anything like the conditions I did on the Fridaynight. It was a bit of a nightmare and certainly a huge mental challenge after two full rounds of golf in the cold and wet.

“The cycling has been very tough but the pleasure of playing these wonderful Open Championship courses has been immense.

“This is the golf of dreams for any player. The reception from the golf clubs, their staff, the golfers and non-golfers, has been really staggering and humbling.

“Golf isn’t all about the number on the scorecard and that’s why I wanted to team up with the Golf Foundation and raise funds for them in this way.”

All funds raised by The Great British Open Challenge will go directly to helping more young people from all backgrounds to Start, Learn and Stay in the sport.

The Hertfordshire-based Golf Foundation reaches 500,000 boys and girls each year, creating a player pathway from school sport to the golf club environment and regular coaching with PGA professionals.

The charity wants to encourage young people to keep playing and keep developing the skills for life that the game teaches them.

•You can support Luke’s incredible marathon by going to Luke’s JustGiving page.

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Luke Willett teeing off his Great British Open Championship Challenge – he was given £5,000 by Carnosutie Golf Links charity.

IRON Golfer Luke Willett got to grips with his latest challenge – to cycle to and play every course on The Open Championship rota, by playing Carnoustie, one of the toughest tests faced by winners of the Claret Jug.

The London-based PGA professional embarked on his unique 10-day golfing challenge at the first of the 14 Open venues by hitting his first shot in Angus, with Carnoustie Golf Links charity donating £5,000 to Luke, who is raising funds for the Golf Foundation.

It was the best possible start to his Great British Open Challenge and the Golf Foundation praised Carnoustie Golf Links for the “wonderful generosity of the Links and its staff.”

From Carnoustie, Luke headed south in the afternoon to play 18 holes on St Andrews’ Old Course – the Home of Golf.

In all weathers, Luke will face exhausting cycle rides on unfamiliar roads in darkness and in light, before playing all 14 iconic golf courses associated with The Open.

The challenge reflects Luke’s desire to encourage more young people to enjoy the thrills and adventure of golf.

Luke plans to play 252 Open Championship holes during an 831-mile bike journey around Britain.

The odyssey started at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland today (October 18) and will end in 10 days’ time at Royal St George’s Golf Club in Kent.

In between he will play three golf courses in Ayrshire, including Prestwick, the first course to stage the Open, as well as crossing over to Northern Ireland, to play Royal Portrush, which hosted the world’s oldest golf championship for the first time since 1951, to worldwide acclaim, in July.

Supported by friends of the Hertfordshire-based Golf Foundation, Luke hopes to play each 18 holes with a mix of junior players, top amateurs, professionals and club members.

Willett, who hails from Buckinghamshire, will be fundraising for the Golf Foundation as the national charity changes the lives of young people by introducing them to golf.

The charity wants to encourage them to keep playing and keep developing the skills for life that the game teaches them.

The foundation believes it will not only change the lives of thousands of young people, but will keep our game invigorated and successful.

Luke, 34, is a respected PGA coach, who has been based at Hampstead Golf Club, in North London, for the last three years.

He is a strong supporter of young golfers and has carved out a reputation for taking on remarkable ironman-style golfing tests, including once cycling over the Lakeland fells, swimming three miles of Wastwater before playing Windermere GC in a single day.

The Great British Open Challenge is a significantly more difficult proposition.

Luke said he hopes all golf-lovers who have a connection with the wider game, and who understand the need to encourage the next generation of young players, will support him through his JustGiving page.

Luke has prepared well for the challenge and will carry four golf clubs to help with weight issues on the bike.

Golf apparel brand Bunker Mentality is providing clothing to help him cope with a range of weather conditions.

“I am a great believer golf is more than just walking around a course and playing 18 holes,” said Luke at the start of his marathon.

“Adventure is waiting to be added to the whole experience either before, during or afterwards.

“I believe this challenge will help make the sport more appealing to young prospective players and will ignite their imaginations.

“I’m delighted I will be able to raise valuable funds for the Golf Foundation – we all want more young golfers in Britain and all the money I collect will go towards getting them playing the sport.”

Luke’s new challenge takes in three countries and travelling on two ferries across the Irish Sea before finally finishing at Sandwich.

Willett will play Royal Cinque Ports in Deal, which hosted the 1919 Open before making the short journey up the East Kent coast to play Prince’s which staged The Open in 1932.

He will then “pop across the fence,” to play the adjoining Royal St George’s, which hosts the 2020 Open.

The itinery is:–

18 October – Carnoustie Golf Links & St Andrews
19 October – Musselburgh & Muirfield
20 October – Royal Troon & Prestwick
21 October – Turnberry
22 October – Royal Portrush
23 October – Royal Lytham & St Annes
24 October – Royal Birkdale & Royal Liverpool
26 October – Royal Cinque Ports
27 October – Prince’s & Royal St George’s.

You can follow Luke’s progress on Twitter @GolfRootsHQ, @TheGolfFoundation on Facebook, andgolf_foundation_org on Instagram.

•To donate go to Luke’s JustGiving page.

Luke Willett, who will cycle more than 800 miles and play 252 holes over the next 14 days

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Open champion Shane Lowry receives his Euorpean Tour honorary life membership from chief executive Keith Pelley, at Wentworth, in the build up to this week’s BMW PGA Championship. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

SHANE Lowry has been awarded honorary life membership of the European Tour in recognition of his Open Championship victory in July.

The Irishman finished six shots clear of Tommy Fleetwood at Royal Portrush to lift the Claret Jug in front of packed galleries at the County Antrim venue.

It was the perfect result to get a home winner as the island of Ireland hosted the Open Championship for the first time since 1951.

It was Lowry’s maiden Major Championship triumph and came 10 years after his unforgettable breakthrough victory as an amateur at the 2009 Irish Open, at County Louth Golf Club, in Baltray.

The 32-year-old currently leads the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, having also won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship – the first Rolex Series event of 2019.

He was presented with his honorary life membership by European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley ahead of the BMW PGA Championship – the season’s fourth Rolex Series event – which gets under way at Wentworth Club, on Thursday.

Lowry said: “It is pretty cool to receive this award. When you start playing golf when you’re a kid you don’t know how good you can be, or even when you start playing as a pro.

“I didn’t know that I would get to this day so it’s pretty cool,” added Lowry, who first showed his promise on the world stage by claiming the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone, in 2015.

“I’ve obviously joined a nice list of names, which is pretty good as well,” Shane added. “My heart lies with The European Tour. I’ll always be a member.

“I love coming back and I love playing in events like this. So it’s an extreme privilege to receive this,” said Lowry, who played alongside Rory McIlroy for Ireland as an amateur.

Mr Pelley said: “Shane’s incredible victory at Royal Portrush will be remembered as one of the iconic performances in the championship’s storied history.

“Shane is a terrific character and I think you when you look at the remarkable reception he enjoyed across the island of Ireland in the week following his win, in addition to the warmth and praise on social media globally, that shows you how popular he is in the game.

“He is also a wonderful ambassador for the European Tour, and is therefore a truly worthy recipient of this honour.”

Lowry, who has won five times on the European Tour, becomes the 56th person to be awarded Honorary Life Membership of the European Tour.

The award comes 41 years after John Jacobs, the European Tour’s founding father, was the first to receive the accolade in 1978.

European Tour honorary life members

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