Top field for Killarney Scratch Cup
Congressional threat to McIlroy's Irish Open future
Rory McIlroy could be tempted to skip next year’s Irish Open for a return visit to the scene of his record-breaking US Open triumph.
At least, that appears to be the scenario facing the player, his management and the European Tour as the 2012 schedule hoves into view.
Killarney sharpens teeth for Irish Open but new sponsor left until 2012
Killarney’s Killeen Course will be a tougher prospect for Rory McIlroy and Co. this time around when it hosts “The Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland” from July 28-31.
It’s bad news for the players ahead of an event that has seen its prize fund slashed in half - to just €1.5m - following the exodus of title sponsors “3” last year.
But the good news is that European Tour and Failte Ireland will bear the €3m-plus prize money and staging costs and ride out the storm ahead of what they hope will be a new, three-year title sponsorship announcement next season.
Killarney set for Irish Open repeat
The European Tour is keen to host the Irish Open in Killarney again next season. And Chief Executive George O’Grady confirmed as much yesterday when he unveiled a 2011 schedule featuring a minimum of 50 tournaments in 29 different destinations with the Irish Open pencilled in for July 28-31.