Rory McIlroy has committed to playing in next year’s Irish Open.  The tournament has been rescheduled for the last weekend in June, two weeks after the US Open at which the Ulsterman will defend his title.
The tournament has yet to confirm a venue or a sponsor but it is expected that this news will act as a major spur for those considering becoming involved.
Omega withdrew from sponsoring the $7.5 million dollar end of season World Cup last week but golf does continue to attract major sponsorship money.
In an Irish context the tournaments new dates will put it in direct competition with the Dubai Duty Free Irish derby at the Curragh.  That event had ironically switched to a Saturday in 2012 in part to avoid a clash with the big GAA games of a Championship Summer.