UK/UAE. This year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation will have a vastly increased prize fund having become part of the Rolex Series.
The US$7 million prize fund is up more than US$4.4 million compared to 2016, according to Dubai Duty Free.
“We are very pleased with how this tournament has progressed over the past couple of years,” said Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin. “As part of the Rolex Series and of course the Race to Dubai, the tournament will have extended broadcasting hours this year, which is something important to us as title sponsors in the promotion of our brand.
“The line-up of players is terrific and of course Rory [McIlroy]’s continued involvement, both as the defending champion and through the Rory Foundation, has had a hugely positive impact on the growth of this tournament.
“We are looking forward to a fantastic week of golf at Portstewart Golf Club, which is a stunning course, and given the enthusiasm of the Northern Irish golf fans we can expect a great turnout of spectators.”
As well as four-time Major winner McIlroy, former US Open winner Justin Rose, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, Spain’s Jon Rahm, 2016 Masters winner Danny Willett, Northern Irish Major champions Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell and Ireland’s three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington will compete in Londonderry between 6 and 9 July.
McIlroy stated: “It goes without saying that I’m pretty excited about the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open this year. Since I got involved in hosting the tournament through my foundation and we created this partnership with Dubai Duty Free and the European Tour, the Irish Open has really grown into one of the best weeks on the European Tour schedule. I think everyone in golf knows how special a relationship I have with Dubai, so to have Dubai Duty Free as the title sponsor of the Irish Open is a nice extension of that.”
