Northern Ireland golfer Michael Hoey has welcomed the news that Royal Portrush will stage the 2012 Irish Open, and expects it to be a great tournament.
It's the first time the Irish Open will be held in Northern Ireland since the tournament was hosted by Belvoir Park in Belfast in 1953. Royal Portrush last staged the Irish Open in 1947 when it was won by the legendary Harry Bradshaw.
Hoey, speaking to Pauric Lodge on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, said, "Everyone has heard about Portrush. It's known all over the world, and to get the opportunity to play a big tournament at the course is great.
"I think that we could and should have had it in the past but, with all the major champions from Northern Ireland, I think now is great timing.
"Playing the tournament three weeks prior to the British Open is great, and hopefully they can attract some more of the top players in the world.
"I'm sure that the likes of Tiger Woods, Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood have heard a lot about Portrush and would like to play there.
"If we get four days with decent weather, and the field we are going to have, it will be a great tournament."
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