Has Rory hooked Tiger for 2016 Irish Open at The K Club?

Tiger Woods

Next month's Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Royal County Down promises to be one of the best ever. But sources close to tournament host Rory McIlroy reckon the world No 1 will go one better next year by landing pal Tiger Woods. 

And with a move back south of the border a given for 2016, it appears that The K Club will play host to its first Irish Open nearly 10 years after it held that record equalling Ryder Cup win over the USA.

As the scene of Datten Clarke's finest hour as a Ryder Cup player it would also tee up the Dungannon man's captaincy at Hazeltine later next year.

No appearance money would change hands with McIlroy set to play in Woods' season-ending charity event, the Hero World Challenge,  which will move to Albany, the luxury resort community in The Bahamas jointly owned by Tavistock Group, Woods and Ernie Els, at the end of this year. 

The idea certainly makes sense - an iconic venue near Dublin with the quid pro quo between McIltoy and Woods guaranteeing their respective Foundations major benefits.

McIlroy has already secured a title sponsor for the Irish Open and the presence of stars like Rickie Fowler, Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia for this year's event at the end of May.

The Rory Foundation and the European Tour are expected to make some major announcements next week.  Watch this space.