McIlroy attracts big guns
Rory McIlroy has wooed a number of big names to compete at the Irish Open at Royal County Down.
The event is hosted by the Rory Foundation, a charitable organisation that was set up by the world number one to support a number of children’s charities.
On Tuesday, it was revealed that four time major winner Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia will grace the County Down venue, which is expected to attract 80 000 visitors over the weekend.
Alos attending are former world number one Lee Westwood, promising young talent Rickie Fowler, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell and defending champion Mikko Ilonen.
“When I took on the hosting of this event on behalf of my charitable foundation, I was confident I could convince a lot of great players to come and play the Irish Open this year but the response so far has exceeded all of my expectations,” revealed McIlroy on newsletter.co.uk..
“To have Rickie, Sergio, Ernie, Lee, Darren and Graeme, as well as Mikko, already committed by February is incredible and I’m really proud to be involved in what is shaping up to be one of the great events of The European Tour season.
“Hopefully we’ll have a few more big names to add to that list in the next 100 days.”
Latest
-
Ryder CupWho will win the Ryder Cup? What the writers and experts say
Planet Sport gets the thoughts of 22 journalists from both sides of the Atlantic as the showdown at Whistling Straits looms
-
Ryder CupRyder Cup tips: USA to win, Jordan Spieth and Shane Lowry to shine
The wait is finally over. The Ryder Cup is back and Planet Sport tipster Jack Kelliher has some tasty selections ahead of the big event.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington praises spirit in Team Europe as Ryder Cup begins
World number one Jon Rahm will be sent out in the first match for the second Ryder Cup in succession.
-
NewsFocus on the 43rd Ryder Cup between the United States and Europe
The competition will kick off with Justin Thomas and Jordan Speith taking on Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm.
-
NewsEuropean fans outnumbered but ready to ‘make a bit of noise’ at Ryder Cup
Irish father and son Padraig and Stephen Carr were among the handful of travelling supporters at Whistling Straits on Thursday.
-
NewsUnited States fire up home supporters by launching T-shirts into crowd
US vice-captain Jim Furyk began the fun by leading chants of ‘USA’ with accompanying actions for each letter.
-
NewsBrooks Koepka sidesteps questions about his USA team-mate Bryson DeChambeau
The feud between two of America’s top players has been played out in public for months.
-
NewsJon Rahm out to cap ‘amazing year’ with Ryder Cup glory
Rahm became a father and won the US Open but two Covid-19 cases cost him an Olympic place and a likely win at the Memorial Tournament.
-
NewsPaul Casey eager for more as Ryder Cup preparations step up
The Englishman ended a long wait for a return to the competition in 2018 and is hoping this year is not his last appearance.
-
NewsSteve Stricker must blend experience with raw rookie talent in bid for Ryder Cup
Stricker will soon discover if having eight of the top 10 can see his US side regain the trophy in his home state of Wisconsin.