Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy has confirmed that he'll be tee-ing it up at next month's Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet.
The 32-year-old, who won the event in 2016, hasn't played in the last two editions and had been weighing up whether to travel to Kilkenny this year.
“I am really excited to get back and play the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open,” McIlroy said in confirming his participation today.
“I have so many incredible memories of this event down the years, not least my victory in 2016, and I think it is going to be a pretty special week this July with the fans returning. I’m really excited to play in front of them again.”
Fellow major champions Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry and tournament host Graeme McDowell are also set to play in Kilkenny this summer.
Offaly man Lowry will be using the Irish Open as a key part of his preparations for the defence of his Open crown at Royal St George’s Golf Club.
“I cannot wait to get back and play in front of the Irish crowds again,” said Lowry. “I have been really eager to do so as The Open Champion before I defend the Claret Jug and hopefully I can put on a show for them at Mount Juliet for what is sure to be a memorable week.”
