McIlroy Confirms Irish Open

McIlroy in 2010

The Irish Open has received a much-needed boost after US Open champion Rory McIlroy confirmed he will be playing in the event in August.

The tournament in Killarney is without a sponsor and the presence of McIlroy is sure to increase spectator numbers.

"Definitely, I will be playing the Irish Open later this summer," said the 22-year-old after securing his first major title at Congressional on Sunday.

However, McIlroy has pulled out of next week's French Open.

Fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell did the same after he won the title last year, preferring to let the biggest week of his life sink in rather than rush back into competition.

Whereas McDowell returned at the Scottish Open, though, McIlroy is now set to make the Open at Sandwich on 14-17 July his next start.

The Irish Open suffered a blow when previous backers, telecommunications company 3 pulled out of the sponsorship last November.

McIlroy, McDowell and Padraig Harrington played in the tournament last year when crowds of up to 40,000 watched the action on the Killeen course.