The biggest event in Irish sport on a world stage this week will take place in one of it’s least known and most beautiful locations at Ballyliffin for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
This is the last year in which Rory McIlroy will be the official host, at least for a few years as the baton passes to Paul McGinley in Lahinch, County Clare next year.
Dubai Duty Free as the headline sponsor renewed their partnership through to 2022 earlier this year, creating further stability for an event which is stronger now than at any point in its storied history.
Read about the Dubai Duty Free Extension
It is, for the second year, part of the Rolex Series. This gives extra clout by virtue of a €7 Million prize fund and the tournament has once more drawn a high-class field of competitors from around the world.
It is not only the professional golfers that are attracted either.
Stars from the worlds of sport, music, TV and film will line up to play in the tournament Pro-Am on Wednesday.
Representing the sporting world is former Republic of Ireland, Manchester City and Newcastle United goalkeeper and RTE pundit Shay Given, while Donegal’s GAA Football Captain Michael Murphy will delight the home support before getting ready for the Donegal Footballers date with Dublin in the opening fixture of the All Ireland Football Championship Quarter-Final series.
Kerry football star Kieran Donaghy, former Ireland international rugby players Keith Wood and Stephen Ferris, and legendary jockey AP McCoy will also make an appearance, as will former snooker World Champion Dennis Taylor and Derry City Football Club players Paddy McCourt, Gerard Doherty and Rory Patterson.
Former Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny, professional dancer on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing Anton du Beke and pop singers Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy and actor James Nesbitt Complete the star-studded lineup.
“Ballyliffin is a great golf course,” said Rory McIlroy. “It’s always nice to be back home and play in front of the home crowd so I’m very much looking forward to playing the course and also having some fun at the Pro-Am before the tournament kicks off.”
Fans will also be treated to a festival of music as country star Nathan Carter headlines the ‘Glashedy Sessions’ on Friday night. 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.
Sport for Business will keep you up to speed on all the commercial aspects of the tournament during the week, including from other sponsors Bank of Ireland and Heineken, and we will be live at the course on Thursday to watch alongside the global TV audience that will be tuning in.
