Peter Lawrie Amongst The K Club Invites

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2015 - Getty Images

Peter Lawrie has received an invitation to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation which will be played at The K Club from May 19-22 in County Kildare.

Also included in the cherished list are Irish golfers Paul Dunne, of Hartl Resort, in Bad Griesbach; Gavin Moynihan of The Island GC; Kevin Phelan of Mount Juliet; Ruaidhri McGee of Rosapenna. Along with Ryan Evans of Wellingborough GC and Seve Benson of the Wentworth Club.

They all are joined Martin Kaymer, who has added his name to the all-star field, with a host of his fellow Ryder Cup players and European Tour winners also entered for the 61st edition of Ireland’s national Open.

Kaymer makes his fourth appearance - in what is now a €4 million tournament - with a tied tenth finish at Adare Manor in 2008 as his best performance to date. 

The German has not won though a regular European Tour event for five years – his last victory being the 2014 US Open Championship. But a top six finish on his last outing at Real Valderrama Club Open de España, Hosted by Sergio Garcia Foundation two weeks ago offered encouraging signs. 

Not unlike The K Club, which hosted a memorable Ryder Cup in 2006, Kaymer became synonymous with golf’s greatest team contest after holing the putt which ensured the trophy would remain in European hands at Medinah Country Club in 2012. 

A strong showing at The K Club under the eye of Europe’s 2016 Captain, Darren Clarke, would enhance Kaymer’s claims for a fourth straight Ryder Cup appearance. Englishman Chris Wood and Austrian Bernd Wiesberger also be hoping for inclusion in Europe’s line-up later in the year. 

Rafa Cabrera Bello, Soren Kjeldsen, Matt Fitzpatrick and Andy Sullivan all currently occupy automatic qualifying places for 2016 The Ryder Cup. 

Danny Willett will also be teeing up at The K Club has already confirmed his place at Hazeltine National in September following his victory at The Masters last month. 

Peter Lawrie was part of that strong field in Valderrama two weeks ago courtesy of being a former Open de España winner. Over the four days the Dubliner made good use of his return to a European Tour event with a solid performance in a tough field and testing conditions.

“It’s great news to get a start at our National event, said Peter from Rabata in Morocco, "Even more so as it has been revitalised by Rory McIlroy and Dubai Duty Free.” 

“With the Trophée Hassan this week it will offer another great opportunity to fine tune a few things and compete in another tough field.”

“So I’m really looking forward to the next few weeks,” concluded Lawrie

Lawrie lost his automatic playing rights after finishing 124th in the Race to Dubai last season.

*Peter Lawrie is sponsored by PGA Catalunya [Girona] and NewstalkFM [Dublin]

DDFIO Entry List

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Star Cast at Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

The success of the 2015 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation - the first Irish Open sponsored by Dubai Duty Free - plus record prize money for this year's championship, has tempted a star-studded cast to The K Club in County Kildare from May 19-22.

Led by reigning Masters Champion Danny Willett, the field includes eight Major champions among 12 top-50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking. Rory McIlroy heads up the Irish contingent of Major champions, which includes 2007 Irish Open Champion Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell, with Germany’s Martin Kaymer, Korea’s Y.E. Yang and South Africa’s Trevor Immelman making up one of the strongest fields in the tournament’s history.

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, said: “The terrific inaugural tournament at Royal County Down last year, plus the fact that the Rory Foundation will continue to host the event was central to our decision to extend our sponsorship to 2018. 

“We are also pleased that as a result of our sponsorship commitment, The European Tour has announced an increase in prize money from €2,500,000 to €4million, making it one of the highest purses on the 2016 Race to Dubai and very appealing for international players to participate.

The staging of the tournament at The K Club, which has recently undergone a major expansion, is another positive. With all these things combined, we are looking forward to a great event.

“By sponsoring the Irish Open it lifts the significance of the event considerably. At last year’s event it felt to me a bit like the re-birth of the tournament, with Dubai Duty Free and the Rory Foundation behind it. Having been without a title sponsor for a number of years it’s been a great boost for the event. The Dubai Duty Free brand is well recognised around the world and we certainly have a global reach. We believe that being involved in golf, is a good thing, particularly with golf being one of Ireland’s biggest attractions.”

McIlroy said: “The support we had last year from all our on-going sponsors, including fellow Dubai sponsorsEmirates Airline and Jumeirah Golf Estates, fans, volunteers and Royal County Down with a ‘sell-out’ tournament, attracting more than 100,000 spectators was incredible. It exceeded all expectations. I’ve got a good relationship with Colm McLoughlin and Dubai Duty Free and I’ve got a long-standing history with Dubai. I’ve got to know Colm over the years just by playing tournaments in the UAE. With our Foundation being involved it aligned very well with their charitable Foundation. It just seemed like a good fit. 

“I was absolutely delighted when Colm and Dubai Duty Free came on board. They have a great sponsorship history in the Middle East and in Ireland and England, and the association has given the tournament that extra kudos. Coming together to benefit the lives of young people can only be a good thing. The other important thing for me is that I can learn a lot from Colm and his extensive experience doing charitable work.

“I would like to thank Colm McLoughlin and Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of The European Tour for supporting my vision to develop the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Hosted by the Rory Foundation into one of the leading events on The European Tour’s schedule, over the next three years. I am sure The K Club, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the club and their 10th anniversary as host of the 2006 Ryder Cup, and having held 11 European Opens, will be an excellent venue for the 2016 Irish Open.”

McLoughlin was equally impressed by Rory’s efforts with the tournament: “Rory has done a remarkable job in attracting the top golfers to play in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and bringing his Foundation into the mix has been a great initiative.”

Keith Pelley said: “The Irish Open is one of the most prestigious and most eagerly anticipated tournaments on The Race to Dubai, and having two powerful global brands in Dubai Duty Free and Rory McIlroy supporting the event as well as a record prize fund, will ensure that continues. We are delighted that Dubai Duty Free have pledged themselves to the tournament through until 2018 and we thank them for their continued commitment and vision, not just to the Irish Open but to The European Tour as a whole.

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An Evening with Rory and Sir Alex

Rory McIlroy is to host a night with Alex Ferguson in Dublin ahead of the Irish Open, with all proceeds raised going to The Rory Foundation.

The event will be held at the Dublin Convention Centre on May 17th, with McIlroy hosting the European Tour event at the K Club on May 19th.

2,000 are expected to attend the night, as four-time Major winner and Manchester United fan McIlroy speaks to the legendary Scottish manager who won 13 league titles, two European Cups and five FA Cups his famous Old Trafford tenure.

McIlroy said: “I can’t wait to be back in Ireland to be able to host this event at the Convention Centre ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

“Over the course of the tournament, I want to raise as much money as I can for my Foundation as there are many children’s charities out there really in need of the support. As a huge Manchester United fan, I’m delighted Sir Alex has agreed to join me. And with Jimmy Nesbitt as the event’s MC, it’s shaping up to be a really enjoyable evening.”

James Nesbitt will MC the night and early bird tickets can be bought for €60 

 www.aneveningwithrory.com. 

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Moy Park Stays with DDF Irish Open

European Tour

Moy Park has announced its continuation as an Official Sponsor of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation, which takes place at the world renowned K Club in County Kildare from May 19-22, 2016.

Moy Park, which is part of the JBS Group, the largest protein company in the world and the second largest global food business, will be celebrating its fifth year as an Official Sponsor and at this year’s tournament will showcase its products in the Moy Park food court at the Championship village food pavilion. 

Alan Gibson, Moy Park’s UK and Ireland Director, said: “As one of Ireland’s largest companies and the country’s number one poultry brand, we are delighted to continue to grow and develop our partnership with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open – one of the world’s most iconic sporting events.

"Attracting players and visitors from across the globe, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open gives the Moy Park brand a great platform to build upon the huge success of last year’s Championship at Royal County Down. We are thrilled that Rory McIlroy has announced his commitment to host the tournament again, on behalf of his Foundation, making this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at the prestigious K Club all the more special.”

James Finnigan, Commercial Director of the Irish Open, said: “The European Tour is delighted to secure the continued commitment of Moy Park for this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at the K Club. We are excited to be working with one of Ireland’s biggest companies who will actively promote their involvement in the championship via a number of consumer promotions. We thank Moy Park for their continued support of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and the European Tour.”

To celebrate its sponsorship of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, Moy Park has launched an on-pack competition to win a money can’t buy Irish Open experience. Running from the March 21 – April 29, shoppers across the UK and Ireland can win the ‘Ultimate Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Experience’ – which includes tickets, overnight accommodation and corporate hospitality – by picking up a promotional pack of Moy Park chicken in participating stores.

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Godspeed Christy............

Christy O’Connor Jnr’s strong faith “came to his rescue” after his 17-year-old son’s death, his funeral was told today.

President Michael D Higgins was among several hundred mourners to attend the funeral at Galway Cathedral.

The crowd also included Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s aide-de-camp Commandant Kieran Carey , golfers Sam Torrance, Paul McGinley, Shane Lowry, des Smyth and Eamon D’Arcy, former taoiseach Brian Cowen, businessman Denis O’Brien, former rugby international Keith Wood, horse trainer Mouse Morris and Fine Gael TD and former football manager John O’Mahony

In his homily , Fr Michael Kelly referenced O’Connor Jnr’s son, Darren, who died in a 1998 road crash. He said the golfer “spoke openly and confidently of his conviction that he would meet Darren again - not quite so soon, I imagine. He prayed to him and for him and was convinced that Darren came to his assistance more than once.”

He added: “Unfortunately that same belief will not fill the vacant chair or the emptiness you are experiencing in your hearts today. But the support and prayers of the thousands of friends who shook your hands these last few days will carry you through the various stages of your loss and mourning.”

Fr Kelly said a steady flow of glowing tributes have been paid in the days since O’Connor Jnr died. “I have no doubt Christy had a large number of very close personal friends but he had the gift of making every acquaintance feel that they were special - and he treated them accordingly,” he said.

“They were all tributes to ‘a great human being’, whom we had the privilege to be associated with in one way or another. He was a proud Galway man, an Irishman and a European. His leaving has left our world a poorer place. He was one in a million.”

He best remembered for a lead role in the Ryder Cup win in 1989. During his funeral Paul McGinley brought the Ryder Cup up to his coffin.

Musicians who played during his funeral included Frankie Gavin and Sean Keane .

O’Connor Jnr had been on holiday in Tenerife when he died suddenly last Wednesday.

Tributes were paid to the golfer from across the world of sport, society and politics, with the golfer fondly remembered for his good nature, generosity and most famously for defying the odds to help Europe beat the US, thanks to a stunning two iron from 200 yards to within feet of the 18th hole at The Belfry.

O’Connor Jnr is survived by his wife Ann, son Nigel and daughter Ann.

The golfer’s other son, Darren, died in a road crash in 1998 aged 17.

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Irish Open Venues - Woodbrook

Christy O'Connor Snr winner in 1975

Established in 1921, by Sir Stanley Cochrane as his private club, Woodbrook was first affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland in 1926. Sir Stanley had previously indulged his enthusiasm for cricket at Woodbrook, a fact that is still reflected in the pavilion-style clubhouse and the cricket bell, which tolled the start and finish of play and now hangs in the bar.

However, it is as a venue for top class international golf, that Woodbrook is justly famous. 

Woodbrook hosted the first major professional tournament in Ireland. The Hennessy Tournament in 1958. This once-off event, proved so popular amongst the Irish sporting public, that the following year it became the Irish Hospitals Sweepstakes Tournament with the then biggest prize fund 5,000 guineas. 

All the leading players arrived to play Woodbrook and International Tournament Golf in Ireland was born. In 1963 the tournament that really established Woodbrook as a major golf venue began – The Carrolls International. Carrolls brought the cream of British European and, indeed, American golfers to play the fairways of Woodbrook in the ensuing years up to 1975. Many of today’s legends of Golf played the course. 

Some, as winners, like Christy O’Connor, Senior and Junior, Bernard Gallagher, Neil Coles, Brian Huggett and Bernard Hunt. Others, as rookies on the day, like Jack Newton, Eamon D’Arcy, John O’Leary and Sam Torrance. Superstars, like Open Championship Winners, Max Faulkner, five times winner Peter Thompson, Gary Player, Tony Jacklin, Tom Watson and Ken Nagle all delighted the larger Irish galleries. Anybody who was anybody, in the history of British and European golf from 1963 to 1975, appeared at the Carrolls in Woodbrook.

The Irish Open

The Irish Open had been discontinued in 1953, having run almost continuously since 1927. Carrolls revived this great Irish Title in 1975 at Woodbrook and the modern Irish Open was born. This is now an integral part of the European PGA Tour. An all-star field, including the British Open Winner Tom Watson, played for the first Prize of £5,000 and the inaugural winner was Ireland’s Christy O’Connor Junior, nephew of the great Christy O’Connor Senior, himself a four times winner of the Carrolls International.

The Train

Trains have always played a major part in Woodbrook’s history. In olden days the Dublin-Bray train stopped at the club and in the early days of tournament golf, spectators alighted on the course. Up to 1956, when members wanted to go home, they pulled a switch in the club house bar and the next train, to pass along the way, stopped for two minutes to pick up those who were travelling to Bray or Dublin. Alas! Today, such hospitality is unavailable, but on six holes, the spectre of the DART and the railway line looms large for the wayward driver.

The Course

Although a flat course, “Woodbrook”, as Christy O’Connor, Senior put it “may look easy, but it is a very difficult course, with the constant threat of out of bounds and other hazards that can wreck your card”. In this regard the wind plays a most significant role. When it blows from the North, nine holes are affected, including three out of the last four.

When it’s from the South, the index one tenth plus the par three eleventh, and the par five – 12th, 14th and 16th, all become very difficult long holes. A crosswind from the East affects almost every hole on the course and calls for shot making of the highest calibre. With its configuration of five par threes and five par fives, Woodbrook’s layout is unusual but, in the opinion of those who have played there, it is a championship course in every meaning of the word.

Recently redesigned, with three new holes and 18 sand based greens, built to USPGA standards, Woodbrook is once more a challenge for the best.

The club has hosted 18 major international championship events, a record unlikely to be surpassed, and numerous Irish Professional and Amateur Championships through the years. The staging of the AIB Sponsored Irish Seniors Open in the club in 1998 completes a remarkable journey for many of those stars of yesterday, bringing them back to the fairways they once graced so well.

Woodbrook is unique in Irish Golf, with its heritage and tradition, ambiance and atmosphere and the quality and layout of its course. For members and visitors alike it represents a challenge to be met weekly or just occasionally, but always enjoyably.

www.woodbrook.ie

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Irish Open for Donald and Kaymer

European Tour

The Irish Open received another boost with the news that Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald will join Patrick Reed at this year’s event.

The tournament is hosted by the Rory (McIlroy) Foundation, and sponsored by Dubai Duty Free will take place in Royal County Down from May 28-31. The addition of Kaymer, Donald and Reed to an already strong field, the tournament sponsors have increased the prize fund by 25pc to €2.5 million, with the winner banking €416k.

The field already including some long time absentees such as Sergio Garcia, Jose Maria Olazabal and Lee Westwood. Others like Ernie Els and Rickie Fowler will join the very strong Irish contingent from Augusta: Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Shane Lowry.

McIlroy has been inspirational in attracting some of the world’s best golfers to this year’s event and he expressed his delight with the addition of three more.

“It’s great to see Martin, Luke and Patrick adding their names to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open – to have another three truly world class players at the tournament can give the Irish Open fans a better experience at Royal County Down so I’d really like to thank the guys for supporting the event.”

On the increase in prize money, McIlroy added: This is our first year to sponsor the Irish Open and we want to invest in the tournament and work with the European Tour and the Rory Foundation in order to attract the best players in the world.”

Two-time Major winner Kaymer added: There is definitely a good feeling about this year’s Irish Open and I think Rory has done a great job to get such a great field for the event and to create a really nice atmosphere about the tournament. He is very passionate about the tournament and also the golf course at Royal County Down, so I am sure it will be a great week.”

More than 80,000 fans are expected to attend over the four days and tournament organisers have said that Sunday is already close to being a sellout.

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Westwood Returns to Irish Open

Getty Images

Lee Westwood has confirmed he will return to the Irish Open this season after a six-year absence.

Westwood will be making his first professional appearance in Northern Ireland at the event, which is being hosted by the Rory Foundation - started by his Ryder Cup team-mate Rory McIlroy - at Royal County Down from May 28-31.

The Republic of Ireland has been a good hunting ground for the Englishman, who won back-to-back European Opens in 1999 and 2000 and was part of the Ryder Cup winning side - all three events at The K Club.

He joins a field full of world-class talent, with home favourites McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke all signed up along with American star Rickie Fowler.

Westwood, who is defending his Malaysian Open title this week, told the European Tour website: “I’m really looking forward to playing. I’ve heard a lot about the golf course - County Down has that legendary status.

“I haven’t played in the Irish Open for a long time. It’s somewhere I’ve been successful and had a lot of support from the local fans. I’ve always seemed to get on very well with the Irish.

“I played the Amateur Championship in Northern Ireland – at Royal Portrush in 1993 – but this will be the first time I’ve played as a professional there.

“I can’t wait to go back and play the Irish Open. It’s a great tournament and I’m really excited that it’s back on my schedule for the first time since 2009.”

Also in the field will be defending champion Mikko Ilonen, who took the title in front of huge crowds at Fota Island last summer, and is looking forward to taking on one of the world's leading links courses.

“I played with Rory at Portrush three years ago and it was massive. The fans know and appreciate their golf and it’s an amazing place to play," the Finn said.

As an amateur, Ilonen won the West of Ireland Championship at Rosses Point, Co Sligo, in 1999 and he added: “Even before my Irish Open victory, I was recognised as the guy who won the ‘West’ and I couldn’t believe people could remember that from so long ago.

“I actually played Royal County Down in the Amateur Championship that same year, 12 months before I won it, and I can remember almost all of the holes and how good the greens were. It will be an amazing week with the Rory Foundation involved and so many good names in the field.”

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