IRELAND. Dubai Duty Free has extended its sponsorship of golfs Irish Open until 2018.
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The European Tour also announced an increase in prize fund by 60 per cent, taking next May’s purse to €4m.
Next year’s tournament at The K Club – 10 years on from the resort hosting the Ryder Cup – will occupy a May date, in the week before the BMW PGA Championship. It last hosted the event in 2007.
His role was also pivotal to Dubai Duty Free coming on board as title sponsors, and to ensuring the level of publicity and status for the tournament which persuaded them to continue backing the Open.
Would you like to see Tiger Woods in action at the Irish Open next year?
‘Most prestigious’ In describing the Irish Open as “one of the most prestigious and most eagerly anticipated” on the circuit, with what he termed “two powerful global brands [supporting]”, Keith Pelley, the new chief executive of the European Tour, hit the nail on the head.
McIlroy’s pull in the world of golf was a major factor in the event’s success in 2015, with Rickie Fowler, Martin Kaymer, Sergio Garcia and Ernie Els joining the large Irish contingent of McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke on the links. McIlroy had earlier missed the cut.
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Holywood golfer Rory McIlroy has confirmed that he will again host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the next three years, on behalf of his charitable foundation. We are also pleased that as a result of our sponsorship commitment, The European Tour has announced an increase in prize money to 4million making it very appealing for global players to participate. “With all these things combined, we are looking forward to a great event next May”.
