Redmond O'Donoghue
Killarney sharpens teeth for Irish Open but new sponsor left until 2012
The Irish Open in Killarney looks set to be an even bigger success this year. Pic: www.golffile.ieKillarney’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.
Irish Open confirmed for Killarney
The 2011 Irish Open will return to Killarney, where Englishman Ross Fisher held off Padraig Harrington to take the title this year. (©Getty Images)George O’Grady flagged in Dubai last month and last night it was confirmed - the Irish Open will return to the Killeen Course at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club from July 28-31 next year.