The Irish Open is on a roll at present with the extended backing of Dubai Duty Free for the renewal at the K Club in 2016. It will have new opposition from the Italian Open in coming years though after a boost to the value of that tournament played a critical role in winning the Ryder Cup for the Marco Simone Club near Rome in 2022.
The announcement yesterday was seen as a surprise, overtaking strong bids from Germany and Spain as well as Austria.
No Irish golf course put itself forward through the Golfing Union of Ireland to be a contender for the latest tournament.
The Italian Open will now rise in value to €3 Million in 2016 before more than doubling again to a staggering €7 Million total value in 2017 and guaranteed to stay at that level for 11 years.
The Bid Evaluation Committee judged the candidates on five specific criteria:
- Demonstrable Government, Political, Institutional and Golfing Community support;
- Commitment to the development of a world-class golf facility (new or existing) to host The 2022 Ryder Cup;
- Provision of ancillary facilities, suitable access and infrastructure commensurate with the staging of an international sporting event, including proximity to a major international city;
- Commercial opportunities available to The Ryder Cup; and
- Contribution of the Bid Country to the development of golf in terms of Legacy, Contribution to the professional game, Integration of golf within tourism and business communities, Development of levels of golf participation, Professional tournament golf at all levels, and contribution to The Ryder Cup: eg Player eligibility and participation.
