Irish Open invites for Whitson, Phelan, Lawrie, Maybin and Thornton; American Jonathan Moore and Ben Stow also added
Reeve Whitson during his amateur days. Picture Pat Cashman

Reeve Whitson during his amateur days. Picture Pat Cashman

Royal County Down's Reeve Whitson will get a chance to put his local knowledge to fantastic use after being handed an invitation for next week's Dubai Duty Free Irish Open on his home track.

The former Spanish Amateur Open winner, now trying to find his feet on the EDP satellite tour in Germany, will be joined in his home town by Mount Juliet's Kevin Phelan, former Royal County Down assistant Simon Thornton, Ballyclare's Gareth Maybin and Dubliner Peter Lawrie.

England's Ben Stow and American Jonathan Moore, who holed a four foot eagle putt on the 18th for a one up win over Nigel Edwards to secure an American Walker Cup win at Royal County Down in 2007, completes the seven Tournament Invitations.  

  • Ben STOW Rushmore GC    
  • Reeve WHITSON Royal County Down G.C    
  • Kevin PHELAN Mt Juliet    
  • Jonathan MOORE Karsten Creek Golf Course    
  • Gareth MAYBIN Ballyclare GC    
  • Simon THORNTON Royal County Down GC    
  • Peter LAWRIE PGA Catalunya