Dunne targets "major" win at Ballyliffin

Paul Dunne of Ireland celebrates his hole in one on the 17th during the second round of the Trophee Hassan II at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam on April 20, 2018 in Rabat, Morocco. Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Paul Dunne is hoping to become the ninth home winner of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Ballyliffin next month.

“The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is the tournament we look forward to the most,” said Dunne, who made his breakthrough at the British Masters last year. “To win it would be right up there with the four Majors for me personally.

“I think Ballyliffin will be a great test of a venue this year. It’s always good to play in front of the home crowd and the support is always incredible. They always keep you in it and they provide a nice buzz.

“It’s going to be another great week and hopefully the weather holds up nicely. 

"If I can give myself chances over the next few years to win it I would be delighted. Hopefully, this year gives me one of those chances, but we’ll see.”

If Dunne is to earn a second European Tour victory from July 5-8, he will have to overcome a star-studded field which includes the defending champion Jon Rahm, tournament host Rory McIlroy and his fellow 2016 Ryder Cup players Rafa Cabrera Bello, Matt Fitzpatrick, Danny Willett and Chris Wood.

Tickets — available here — cost €20 for Pro-Am Wednesday, with tickets for Thursday and Friday costing €32 and day tickets for the weekend costing €34 each.  

An adult season souvenir ticket, which covers five days of world-class golf from Wednesday to Sunday, costs just €110.

Concessions are available for customers aged over 60 and between 14 and 17, while children up to 13 are permitted free entry when accompanied by a ticket holding adult.

Fans will also be treated to a festival of music as country star Nathan Carter headlines the ‘Glashedy Sessions’ on the Friday night of the tournament. 

A host of exciting local bands will also entertain the crowds at the Glashedy Stage, including popular four-piece the Logues and regular favourites the Groove Robbers.

Official Hospitality tickets are also available on the ticketing page, or alternatively contact the European Tour’s dedicated Hospitality Sales Team, who will be happy to answer any queries and discuss the various hospitality options, on hospitality@europeantour.com or +44 (0) 1344 840681.