Travelling Week for Harrington

Padraig Harrington returns to action this week after finishing fourth at the US Open last weekend – and a birdie at the last would have put him in a play-off with eventual winner Webb Simpson.

Both are now at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, where for the first two rounds Simpson joins Keegan Bradley and Bubba Watson, current holders of the USPGA and Masters titles.

Harrington, meanwhile, is with fellow Open champions Louis Oosthuizen and Justin Leonard.

“It was a case of so near, but yet so far,” said the 40-year-old Dubliner. “It was my best finish of the year so far, but I am coming away from San Francisco knowing that I could so easily have got to the winning score.”

He four-putted twice and three-putted once on the opening day, then on the final hole pulled his approach “a fraction” and found a bad lie in the bunker. Harrington thought he needed a birdie and after failing to get up and down was relieved to be proved right.

“I must admit that I was very happy to see Webb finish on one over par. Had two-over played off I would have been devastated.”

He had gone into the week 94th in the world and came out of it 75th. That is still a long way from where he wants to be, but it makes him look forward to the British Open at Royal Lytham in under a month’s time even more.

“Looking back on the week it only hammered home to me that the most important thing at a major is your short game. It all comes down to wedges, chipping, putting and bunker play.”

Despite having played five of the last six weeks, Harrington also has the Irish and Scottish Opens before the next major. That will make it nine tournaments in 11 weeks. He hopes it will be a run that also brings him back into the Ryder Cup reckoning. One of Colin Montgomerie’s three picks two years ago he is down at 23rd on the table and captain Jose Maria Olazabal has gone for only two wild cards.

As well as moving to a career-high fifth in the world, Simpson leapt from 25th to third on the American cup standings behind Jason Dufner and Watson.

He and Watson were partners – and rookies – at the Presidents Cup last November and, sent out first each time by captain Fred Couples, won three of their four games together.

England’s Ian Poulter, 13th in the European race, looks to hit back from his 41st place in San Francisco. “Two days at home after US Open feels like a week off,” he said on Twitter before flying to Hartford.

Picture of the Day - Green Despair

Richard Green of Australia looks dejected after missing his putt on the 18th green during the Final Round of the Discover Ireland Irish Open held at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club on July 31, 2011 in Killarney, Ireland. (July 30, 2011 - Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

Gonzo Hoping for Irish Comeback

Gonzo in Abu Dhabi

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano hopes to bank his first cheque of 2011 in this week's Irish Open in Killarney.

The Spaniard, a four-time European Tour winner, has not struck a competitive shot since the first week in February where he missed the cut in the Qatar Masters. He also failed to make it past the first two rounds in Bahrain the week before - his only other start in 2011.

Killarney, though, has good memories for him as he finished third in last year's Irish Open there so the 30-year-old Spaniard will be hoping a return will help him get back on track.

Explaining his injury, Fernanez-Castano said: "I started suffering in December and at first it was thought to be a little herniation of a disc.

"It only really hurt when I was standing up, so I started to carry a shooting stick around with me and sat on it between shots.

"I went to the Middle East thinking that it would disappear, but it never did - it went worse and that's when I decided to quit. I just couldn't cope with the pain.

"It took a while to find what it was and I visited so many people, but then a well-known back specialist in Barcelona diagnosed a degenerated disc.

"I started having epidural injections and was told to do this and that. The last option was to have surgery, but I'm glad that has not been necessary so far.

"It's still painful. I can walk 18 holes, but I do get tired and it gets tight.

"I played a little bit at home in the Easter holidays when I thought I was getting better and was hoping to come back for Wentworth in May, but it was not good enough then.

"I will try to play as much as I can now, but we'll just have to see."

His Tour exemption runs out at the end of this season, but if he fails to earn enough to keep his card he would seek a medical exemption for at least part of next year.

The Irish Open does not have the strongest field in its history with only three members of the world's top 50, but those three are major winners Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell and Dubliner Padraig Harrington, down at 64th in the rankings three years after the last of his three majors, is also in the field.

Sponsored by VIBROGYM Professional

Clarke Plays Down Party Tales

Darren Clarke has told those who criticised his lengthy celebrations after his Open Championship victory to "get a life".

By his own admission, Clarke had "quite a few drinks" after his emotional win at Sandwich and this has led to criticism from some quarters.

However, the Open champion urged those critics to have a sense of perspective.

"Look what happened in Norway over the weekend... I won a golf tournament," said Clarke ahead of the Irish Open.

"There's been a little bit of chat about 'he shouldn't have had a drink, he shouldn't have done this, he shouldn't have done that'.

"People are concerned about whether or not I had one pint too many. I mean, get a life - it's sport.

"It's fantastic and I'm very fortunate to win but you have 93 people that got murdered in Norway [the original death toll has since been revised down to 76]."

After staying up all night immediately after his Sandwich triumph, Clarke partied on when he returned to Portrush.

"I think I lit the candle a little bit too much and had the flu over the weekend," he added.

Clarke, 42, did not sound back to 100% for Wednesday's pro-am but after being "hammered" by three friends when he started playing again on Friday, he has spoken to his mind coaches Bob Rotella and Mike Finnegan.

"I think it's not going to make any difference as to my desire and determination to win tournaments, but I'm much more relaxed," said the Open champion.

"One of Rotella's old sayings is 'try less and get more', whereas I've done trying a lot and getting a little bit."

Clarke joins other Irish major winners Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy in the Killarney field.

After his stunning US Open victory, McIlroy finished only 25th at Sandwich and struck a defeatist tone by questioning his own ability to handle windy links-like conditions.

McIlroy said on Wednesday that he regretted those comments.

"I was very frustrated coming off the course - I just really said what I felt at the time.

"I'm going to have to learn how to play in those conditions. You just have to deal with them as best you can."

Irish Open Notice on Killarney GC

Golf fans intending to visit the Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club today (Tuesday, July 26) are respectfully advised that there is NO PUBLIC ENTRYto the site.

The tournament site will be open to the public from 07.30 on Wednesday, July 27 when the Irish Open for Business Pro-Am gets underway.

Interest in the pre-tournament Pro-Am, featuring three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington, 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell, 2011 US Open Champion Rory McIlroy and last week’s Open Champion Clarke is expected to be enormous.

Adult spectators eager to see Ireland’s four Major Champions in action on Wednesday, July 27 – including new Open Champion Darren Clarke – will be invited to make a donation of €5 which will provide a flying start to the week’s fundraising activities for Barnardos, the tournament’s Official Charity.

And tournament officials are confident that Irish golf fans will support a charitable initiative to assist an organisation such as Barnardos, who every year work with over 5,900 children and their families, providing direct services, advice and support through more than 40 centres backed in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Ireland.

Tickets to The Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland are available NOW onwww.europeantour.com/tickets and will also be available to purchase at the Entry Gate from Thursday morning.

Message sponsored by VIBROGYM Professional

Heineken Irish Open Official Sponsor

The European Tour today announced Heineken as an Official Sponsor to this week’s Irish Open at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club.

Heineken owns and manages one of the world’s leading portfolios of beer brands and is recognised and respected for its high profile and valued sponsorship portfolios: The Heineken Cup/Rugby World Cup/UEFA Champions League.

The company reacquainted its relationship with professional golf in Ireland at this tournament last year. Heineken has a number of sponsorship partnerships with The European Tour across Europe this year and retained a strong presence for many years under The Murphy’s Brand as title sponsor of The Irish Open.

Walter Drenth, Marketing Director for Heineken Ireland, said: “We are delighted with the opportunity to present Heineken at this prestigious sporting event. The Irish Open is respected throughout Europe by the professional golfers and spectators alike. The special ambiance of Killarney and its unique beauty will enhance the staging of the tournament.

“Last year’s event was truly special – and who can forget the images shown across the world from this most treasured location. We recognise the large number of people who visited Killarney and attended The Irish Open in 2010. Their attendance created a unique sporting and respectful support to the many great golfers who entertained over the four days of competition. With Irish golf again at a special place we expect the interest in The Irish Open to surpass last year. We look forward to playing our part in all enjoying a memorable experience again this year. It promises to be a great week.”

James Finnigan, Sales and Marketing Executive for The European Tour, said: “The European Tour are pleased to once again get support from Heineken, this commitment to become an Official Sponsor of the Irish Open represents a significant coup for the tournament and The European Tour.

“Sponsorship is a very challenging marketplace; therefore it is especially pleasing for the European Tour to welcome back an organization of Heineken’s stature to the Irish Open. We look forward to working with Heineken in the weeks preceding the tournament and tournament week, which will contribute to the success of a very special Bank Holiday weekend for Irish sports fans.”

Heineken join Failte Ireland and other Official Sponsors BMW, Genworth, The Europe Hotel, Liebherr and The Irish Examiner at this year’s Irish Open in Killarney.

An Irish Open for McGinley to Shine

McGinley in 2010

This week the European Tour arrives to Killarney for the Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland, in an event which will see a number of major winners participate, in what will be the first official celebration for the Irish fans of the achievements of Rory McIroy at Congressional - and Darren Clarke at Royal St. George. 

A year ago it was another Portrush golfer, Graeme McDowell who arrived to play the Killeen Course as the first European winner of the US Open in four decades, having seen off the challenge of Dustin Johnson at Pebble Beach. Only twelve months ago that was viewed as the pinnacle for Irish golf, and the best follow-up to Harrington's three major wins in 2007 and 2008. 

Up until then Irish golfers had been limited to playing - albeit vital roles - in Ryder Cups with Eamon Darcy at Muirfield Village in 1987, Christy O'Connor Jnr in 1989 at The Belfry, Philip Walton in 1995 at Oakhill, Paul McGinley at The Belfry in 2002, and Graeme McDowell joining the club in 2010 at Celtic Manor. 

The past few seasons have seen an amazing progression of some of those same players up the world golf rankings. 

Indeed, it was Padraig's win at Carnoustie in The Open Championship four years ago that brought belief back to Irish golf and closed that link with Fred Daly's major win at Hoylake in 1947. When Harrington repeated the win at Royal Birkdale the following year, and added the USPGA Championship the same summer, it changed the horizons for those who were coming after him. 

To be fair, Harrington started his run at Adare Manor in 2007, when he beat Bradley Dredg in a play-off to bridge a gap of twenty-five years since John O'Leary had last seen the national open won by an Irish man - back in 1982. Until Harrington's victory the Irish Open title had eluded the nations best players and seemed to become a burden for many as the years wore on. 

Philip Walton came very close in 1989 when he took Ian Woosnam to play-off at Portmarnock, playing the best golf of his career, only to lose out in the end. In recalling those days Woosnam is still amazed he won because the large crowd were so behind Walton he was not sure it was meant to be his day that August Sunday. 

In the end it was, with Walton then going on to secure his first European Tour win at the Peugeot Open de France the follwing year. 

Darren Clarke was in the frame in 2003 at the Nissan Irish Open at Carton House until the weather stopped play on the Sunday, with Clarke electing to voluntarily play en extra shot when he found he was benefiting from a more favourable lie when play recommenced on the Monday. 

In terms of Irish winners it was Christy O’Connor who set the standard when he held off all comers in the first Carrolls Irish Open in 1975 at Woodbrook Golf Club. The only other players to match that achievement have been Harrington and then Shane Lowry in 2009 at the County Louth Club. 

The win by Lowry was remarkable on a number of fronts, not least being the weather on the final day in Baltray when he reached a play off with Robert Rock, doing so while still in the amateur ranks. Admittedly Lowry won at the third time of asking on the long 18th after the pair had played it three times, a reprieve for the Offaly golfer given he had missed a three-footer in normal play. 

Buoyed by the feats of Rory and Darren this week twenty-two Irish golfers will tee off on Thursday hoping to relive Shane Lowry's dream, with another group of aspiring players keen to get the flavour of European Tour action. 

Amongst them is US based Waterville native, Mark Murphy, who has battled with the PGA Tour qualifying school unsuccessfully in recent years, and he will be delighted to make his way around the Killarney lakes course. 

He will be joined by eight players from the 2010 Irish PGA Region order of merit who take up their automatic invitations. That group includes former European Tour card holder David Higgins, and Stage 3 Q School qualifier last year, Damien Mooney. 

The six others include John G Kelly, Barrie Trainor, Darren McWilliams, David Mortimer, Michael Collins and Eamon Brady. So far this event always proves too big a step from the day job for the PGA players, even with the cut last year at level par. In fact, only Trainor made it through to the weekend with all the rest finding the course set up very challenging. 

Of the tournament invites it is a chance for Simon Thornton to test himself on the bigger stage once again, having lost his card after his first season on the European Tour. Alongside him will be another casualty of last year, Gary Murphy, who arrives in Killarney on the back of an indifferent season so far and few starts on the Asia One Tour. 

The regular Challenge Tour players include Niall Kearney, who gets another main tour start this week. As does Athlone’s, Colm Moriarty. 

The remaining Irish Tour card holders are also in action and include Michael Hoey, Gareth Maybin, Peter Lawrie, Damien McGrane and Paul McGinley. 

Although still suffering knee trouble, and deferring another operation until the end of the season, McGinley has shown some good form of late and completed the reduced Barclays Scottish Open with rounds of 69-69-66 to secure 14th place. 

Given the current momentum in Irish golf, who is to say that the McGinley will not become the fourth domestic name on the Irish Open trophy. 

Why not another fairy-tale finish?

Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland - Entry List

Barnardos Named Official Charity

The Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland continues its commitment to charity in 2011 with Barnardos being named as the tournament’s Official Charity at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club next week with the goal of raising in excess of €30,000 for the children’s charity. 

Recognising the vital role that Barnardos plays in helping children and their families across Ireland, the Tour Player’s Foundation, the charitable foundation of the European Tour, and Genworth, the official sponsor of the European Tour statistics programme, have teamed up with the charity and some of golf’s top players to raise this significant amount at this year’s event.

David Park, The European Tour’s charity Executive, commented: “The Irish Open and the European Tour are delighted to be supporting Barnardos in this attempt to raise a record €30, 000 to help such a fantastic cause. Working with the players and Genworth we have put in some fantastic fund raising initiatives that we hope will both excite and drive donations from the visiting public.”

Initiatives planned across the tournament include:

The Putts4Charity One Putt Pledge - As an incentive to hole as many one putts as possible, Genworth, Ireland’s leading provider of Lifestyle Protection insurance, and the Tour Players Foundation will donate five Euros each for every one putt made by the Pros during the course of play. With the players expected to make around 2,500 one putts, this should raise in the region of €25,000 for Barnardos.

The spectating public can also join in the Putts4Charity One Putt Pledge by making a small donation or pledge and attempt to guess the total number of one putts that the Pro’s will make. The correct predictions will win two season passes, compliments of the European Tour, to next year’s Irish Open.

The Genworth Putts4Charity Champion’s Challenge in the Tented Village - By donating to Barnardos spectators get the opportunity to test their skills against the professionals by trying to hole four successive putts on specially designed greens modelled on some of golf’s iconic moments, including reigning champion Ross Fisher’s putt on the 17th which helped him secure the Championship in 2010. Those with the best putting record can win some great prizes including a signed Ross Fisher golf bag.

Family Fun Zone presented by Leibherr – As part of the extensive range of activities for adults and children in the tented village families are invited to make a minimum donation of €1 to Barnardos per child for entry to the Fun Zone. This wonderful synergy enables families attending to raise funds for less fortunate children and families across Ireland.

Every year Barnardos works with over 5,900 children and their families, providing direct services, advice and support through more than 40 centres based in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Ireland, responding to the needs of each child and family, and aiming to provide practical and professional support to bring hope to situations where hope is sometimes lost.

Barnardos Chief Executive, Fergus Finlay, said: “We are delighted that Barnardos has been chosen to be the Official Charity of the 2011 Irish Open at Killarney. The profile of this partnership and the generous support of The Tour Players Foundation and the Genworth Foundation will greatly help us in our work supporting vulnerable children and families who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. We thank you for your generosity and wish all of the professionals every success for the tournament.”

The Major Champions are Coming.....

Irish golf fans will be able to give their two reigning Major Champions a rousing homecoming to remember when Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy tee it up in the Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club next week.

Clarke’s emotional victory in The Open Championship at Royal St George’s on Sunday meant historic back-to-back Major triumphs for Northern Ireland, following McIlroy’s record breaking eight shot victory in the US Open Championship last month.

Now Ireland’s golfing public will be able to demonstrate their typically vocal support and appreciation for both Major Champions in their national Open, ensuring a wonderful festival atmosphere in Co. Kerry on Bank Holiday weekend in Ireland (July 28-31).

Clarke and McIlroy will also be joined by Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell, Ireland’s two other recent Major Champions, for what is set to be a celebration of the country’s remarkable achievements on the world stage over the last four years, which was sparked by Harrington’s 2007 Open Championship win.

“The Irish Open promises to be extra special this year with Rory and I bringing back the US Open Trophy and the Claret Jug,” said Clarke.

“We always enjoy an amazing reception from the fans in Ireland but I’ve got a feeling next week could be like nothing we’ve seen before. We are both really looking forward to coming home and celebrating Irish golf’s achievements and we will both be hoping to win the Irish Open to give the fans yet another reason to celebrate.”

McIlroy added: “Darren’s magnificent victory at Royal St George’s means the Irish Open will be even more of a celebration next week.

“The reception I received last month when I brought the US Open Trophy home was unbelievable and I’m sure it will be even better in Killarney when Darren also has the Claret Jug with him. It’s an amazing time for Irish golf at the moment and I’m sure the fans will help make the Irish Open a truly special event.”

More than 82,000 people flocked to Killarney Golf and Fishing Club last year when England’s Ross Fisher held off a final day Harrington charge to capture the title.

Tickets to The Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland are available NOW on www.europeantour.com/tickets, but time is running out for one lucky fan to have the chance of a lifetime by winning a place alongside McIlroy in the Pro-Am on Wednesday, 27 July.

Anyone purchasing a ticket, aged 16 years old or over on July 27, 2011 – and in possession of an official handicap - can enter the prize draw to play alongside McIlroy. 

The competition closes for entries at midnight on Wednesday 20th July, 2011. European Tour Terms and Conditions apply.

Europe Hotel Official Irish Partner

For the second successive year the award winning, five-star Europe Hotel & Resort located next to the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club has been named as the Official Hotel to The Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland from July 28-31.

This hugely popular hotel, refurbished in 2009 at a cost of €70m to incorporate the stunning ESPA at The Europe is located on the shores of Killarney’s largest lake Lough Lein and during the Irish Open will play host to a large number of players, sponsors and TV executives from around the world.

Owned by the Liebherr family, The Europe Hotel & Resort has garnered a reputation for superior service and facilities with a purpose designed conference and events centre and a 50,000sq ft spa which in 2009 was voted the best designed hotel spa in the world.

Gerry Browne, Sales and Marketing Director said “It’s our second year to welcome The European Tour to The Europe and if last year is anything to go by The Europe will be the only place to be in Killarney for the authentic Irish Open experience”.

Last year the accommodation received the seal of approval from amongst others Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and current title holder Ross Fisher. Many players this year are once again bringing along their families.

James Finnigan, Commercial Director of the Irish Open for The European Tour, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the Europe Hotel back for a second year as Official Hotel for the Irish Open. All of the players were impressed by this stunning hotel last year and the award winning spa and we look forward to returning.”

Waterford Crystal Official Sponsor

Waterford Crystal, one of the leading global brands in premium crystal, is announced as an Official Sponsor of the 2011 Irish Open, to be played at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, Co. Kerry, from July 28-31.

An iconic Irish brand, with strong connections to the game of golf over many decades, producing numerous trophies for top class tournaments around the world, Waterford Crystal are set to put their unique stamp on Ireland’s national Open.

As well as joining the family of event sponsors, a new bespoke Irish Open trophy has been commissioned and will be presented to the player who succeeds 2010 winner England’s Ross Fisher as the champion on Sunday July 31.

Additionally, Waterford Crystal will provide the prizes for one of the highlights of the week , the pre-tournament Pro-Am competition, while the glittering new trophy and a selection of Waterford Crystal’s superb range of products will be on display in the Tented Village at Killarney.

Gerry O’Keeffe, Waterford Crystal Sports Manager, said: "Waterford Crystal have a long tradition of providing hand crafted trophies to major sporting events around the world, including tennis, Formula 1, sailing and especially golf. We are, therefore, particularly delighted to continue our relationship with The Irish Open and the European Tour".

James Finnigan, Commercial Director of The Irish Open for The European Tour, said: “The European Tour has enjoyed a close association with Waterford Crystal over many years, and we are delighted to welcome an iconic and recognisable Irish company supporting the Irish Open. “

The Irish Open is one of the longest and most prestigious tournament on The European Tour, dating back to the inaugural event at Portmarnock in 1927, won by Scotland’s George Duncan. Other champions down the years have included Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam.

Kartel Official Partner Irish Open

Irish golf clothing brand Kartel, was today announced as the Official Clothing Suppliers to this year's Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland.

The family owned clothing company has been a major player in the Irish clothing market since 1947, and continue to be the number one choice of Champion golfer Padraig Harrington.

Taking place in Killarney for the second consecutive year, the Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland from July 28-31 has a strong international field, together with all of Ireland’s heroic multi-Major winners. And with three time Major winner, and former Irish Open champion Padraig Harrington recently finding form again, the second place finisher at last year's Irish Open is sure again to be of the fancied players at this years’ event.

As well as being the preferred brand of Padraig Harrington and several other players at this year's event, as part of their association with the Irish Open, Kartel will be kitting out all marshals and event staff.

Kartel managing director Karl Swan said “As an Irish brand, we are delighted and proud to once again be involved in what I would consider to be Ireland’s greatest sporting event. 

"The Killarney lakeside venue is one of the most spectacular settings in golf. The relaxed, fun family atmosphere that the event created last year was phenomenal, and with the strongest possible Irish field playing at this year's event, it is sure to be another spectacular and fun filled weekend.”

GMAC Happy to Support Irish Open

GMAC

Graeme McDowell has insisted that Ireland's top players will support the Irish Open despite having its prize fund slashed by 50% this year.

Speaking on a visit to the Northern Ireland EuroPro Open at Galgorm Castle, McDowell described the Irish Open prize fund as "irrelevant".

"It's still the Irish Open. We're going to support it 100%," said McDowell.

"Ireland is having a tough time financially. We understand it. We'll be patient and be there supporting it."

McDowell added:"It's one of the classy tournaments on the European Tour and we don't want to lose it."

Last year's US Open winner has been preparing for his upcoming Open Championship challenge at Royal St Georges by playing links golf at his home club Royal Portrush this week.

He will also have a round at Royal County Down on Saturday before tackling the Open venue Sandwich on Monday.

McDowell will experience further links golf at next week's Scottish Open at Castle Stuart.

I've been playing at Portrush this week and am going to (Royal) County Down on SaturdayGraeme McDowell

The Scottish event moves from Loch Lomond to the links course near Inverness and McDowell believes the new venue will be beneficial for his Open build-up.

"Loch Lomond was a great venue but it was a little different from links golf," added the 2008 Scottish Open winner.

"I've been playing at Portrush this week and am going to (Royal) County Down on Saturday. I feel like I'm playing well enough to compete right now."

McDowell also took time to pay tribute to the organisers of the EuroPro event at Galgorm.

"This event is a great training event for the stars of the future.

"It's very difficult to jump straight on to the European Tour. Guys have to toughen themselves up and learn their trade.

"It's a great event for Galgorm Castle which is a course I played when I was a young boy.

"It's a great location and they have great sponsors on board."

Play with Rory McIlroy in Killarney

Record-breaking US Open Champion Rory McIlroy will return to the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club for this year’s Irish Open, offering golf fans the thrill of a lifetime - to play alongside him in the tournament Pro-Am.

Ticket purchasers for this year’s event, to be played over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from July 28 – 31, will be able to enter a competition to win a place in golf’s newest and most exciting Major Champion’s Pro-Am Team on Wednesday, July 27.

Tickets are now available from www.europeantour.com/tickets with advance savings available on all season, daily and concession tickets. Junior fans, under the age of 16 and accompanied by a paying adult, will be granted free entry to the tournament. 

To enter the competition to play with Rory visit www.europeantour.com/tickets.

Now, one lucky fan will have the chance to get up close and personal with McIlroy by winning a place in his Pro-Am Team for what can only be described as the chance of a lifetime to play 18 holes with the runaway US Open Champion. In addition, the winner will receive free accommodation in a four star hotel for two nights (July 26 and 27)in order to soak up the entire Irish Open experience.

The 22 year old, who captured the US Open by a remarkable eight shots at Congressional on Sunday, is one of the biggest draws in golf and creates a huge buzz wherever he plays in the world. Nowhere was that more evident than the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club last year, as ‘Rory Fever’ swept through County Kerry and beyond as crowds flocked to see the young star in person.

“I’m really pleased to be able to offer someone a place in my Pro-Am Team at Killarney – hopefully people will like the idea of taking me on. I might even give them a couple of shots!”

McIlroy cannot wait to get back to Killarney as he bids to follow Padraig Harrington in 2007 and Shane Lowry in 2009 as home grown winners of their national Open. 

“The Irish Open is very high on the list of tournaments that I would like to win in my career one day,” said McIlroy.

“I think every golfer has a special place in his or her heart for their national Open and I am no different. To win in front of a home crowd is something we don’t get the chance to do that often, so I’d love to win the title.

“The event was a real success last year with so many people coming down to Killarney to support myself and the other Irish guys. Obviously G-Mac and Padraig were huge draws as well last year and I am sure it will be the same again this year.

“The Irish crowds are pretty amazing. They are unique in the way they get behind you and you always want to do well when you are playing in front of them.”

The competition closes for entries at midnight on Wednesday 20th July, 2011. European Tour Terms and Conditions apply. All entrants must be aged 16 and over on July 27, 2011 and in possession of an official handicap.