NORTHERN IRELAND/DUBAI. Last year’s Open Championship winner Shane Lowry has been named in the line-up for the upcoming Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. He will join a host of stars competing at Galgorm Castle Golf Club for Ireland’s premier golf title from 24-27 September.
The 33-year-old lifted the Claret Jug in front of a host of Irish fans last year following a six-stroke win over England’s Tommy Fleetwood at Royal Portrush.
He will return to compete on Northern Irish turf 14 months after that famous victory in search of a second title in his home open, which will this year take place without general spectators in line with the European Tour’s medical health strategy and Public Health England guidance.
Lowry’s maiden victory in the Irish Open in 2009 was achieved as a 22-year-old amateur, when he overcame Robert Rock in a play-off for a surprise win which made him a national sporting hero.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back home to play the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open,” said Lowry. “As a proud Irishman, this event means a lot to me and is always one of the most important tournaments on my schedule each year.
“While it’s been extremely challenging for all players to plan their global tournament schedules this season, I wanted to do everything possible to get home to play the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and I’m delighted that I’ve been able to commit to this year’s tournament given the circumstances.”
It will be the fourth time in nine years that Northern Ireland hosts the event, and the first time it will be played at Galgorm Castle. The Antrim venue has played host to successful Challenge Tour events for each of the past eight years.
In 2012, Northern Ireland hosted the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the first time in 59 years at Royal Portrush. Royal County Down went on to welcome the event for the first time in 2015, while Portstewart Golf Club hosted in 2017.
*Dubai Duty Free is a Platinum Partner of the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo. As reported, the leading travel retailer is offering registered airport and retailer visitors to the event a chance to win US$1 million or a luxury car.
Many lucky winners have already claimed their tickets for the prize draws, which will run up to and during the Expo.
Dubai Duty Free CEO Colm McLoughlin is part of a powerful speaking line-up in the Knowledge Hub at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, including China Duty Free Group President Charles Chen; Moët Hennessy CEO Philippe Schaus; Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Akbar Al Baker; Beam Suntory President of Brands Jessica Spence and many other stellar names. Click here for the full line-up.
