Irish Open set for return to Portmarnock

THE 2003 Irish Open is on its way back to a links course, with its one-time traditional home at Portmarnock likely to be confirmed as the venue today in Dublin.

After months of speculation, a package has been put together that will ensure the future of the country’s flagship golf tournament, at least in the short term. Today’s conference is being arranged by Murray Consultants, who will remain as event managers, a role they have undertaken since Murphys assumed the sponsorship in 1994.

However, they are remaining tight lipped about all other aspects of the event and their official announcement today will coincide with the release from European Tour headquarters at Wentworth of the 2003 schedule