News
Killarney to host Irish Open
Killarney - new venue.
The tournament has been switched from Baltray and moved back to later in the summer. Last year it was held in May and produced a shock winner in amateur Shane Lowry.
Killarney previously played host to the national Open in 1991 and 1992, with Nick Faldo winning both times.
Robert Finnegan, chief executive of mobile phone company 3, said: "Last year we were very proud to come to the rescue of the Irish Open.
"Baltray provided a wonderful spectacle in spite of bad weather and produced a fantastic finale with Shane Lowry winning after the third play-off hole.
"Killarney's Killeen is a magnificent course in an idyllic setting and we expect many of the world's top golfers to take part in what will be a magical weekend in one of the world's great beauty spots.
"We are delighted to have a new, improved date and our move to Killarney reflects the importance the 3 Irish Open will play in the weeks leading to the selection of the Ryder Cup team.
"It should also prove a big draw for golf fans to holiday in Kerry around the tournament and to enjoy the wonderful festival atmosphere we'll bring to the Bank Holiday weekend."
Padraig Harrington commented: "I am 100% sure that the venue will be very popular with the players.
"That is very important. The Irish Open has to give a little bit more than other events - it has to give the whole package with people enjoying the whole week around the golf.
"The guys will have a great time and I will be telling all the players to bring their families that week to have a great time regardless of how the golf goes."
