Rory McIlroy and the European Tour have massive plans for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open but there’s doubt about Lough Erne Resort’s planned hosting in 2017 and utter confusion between the tour and the Irish Region of the PGA over a possible qualifying event. 

Paul McGinley was forced to withdraw from the Irish Open with back spasms and admitted: ”It’s one of my biggest disappointments in my whole career. Even pulling out of a Major wouldn’t have hurt as much as this.”

Rory McIlroy might have added Ryder Cup stars Martin Kaymer, Luke Donald and Patrick Reed to a stellar field but the world No 1 is believed to be chasing an even bigger name for next month’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open — Phil Mickelson.