Luke Donald considering Irish Open appearance

John McLaren, far right, on Sky Sports on Saturday. Picture via GolfCentralDaily.com

Luke Donald is contemplating adding the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open to his schedule, his caddie told Sky Sports on Saturday.

John McLaren, sporting a pair of his trademark socks during his studio appearance for the Texas Valero Open coverage, said a visit to Royal County Down the week after the BMW PGA at Wentworth was looming large on the agenda.

A former world No 1, Donald is now 48th in the world and has;t played in the Irish Open since it was sponsored by Nissan in 2004.

He was 22nd behind Brett Rumford at Baltray that year having finished 23rd behind Michael Campbell in his only other appearance at Portmarnock the previous season.

Rory McIlroy's support for the event is paying dividends and attracted a new sponsor and a stellar field with Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ernie Els already confirmed.

Americans such as Keegan Bradley and Dustin Johnson are also considering the trip.