Irish Open set for Dublin return

THE Irish Open looks set for Dublin in 2012.

European Tour CEO, George O’Grady indicated yesterday that ‘an exciting new package’ was being put together to bring Ireland’s premier golfing event back to the capital.

O’Grady, who would not name the course to host the 2012 event, indicated the Tour would make an announcement before Christmas regarding the event which is fixed for June 28 to July 1.

The Tour canvassed all the Irish players on their preference, including Graeme McDowell, who finished in mid division in this year’s event at Killarney.

“I stand in a position where I want the Irish Open to be the best event it can possibly be,” said McDowell.

“I’m a fan of the Dublin area and it promotes the best attendance, excitement and buzz.

“Some of the courses around the Dublin area would be suitable for me, and while I’d love to see it going north of the border every now and again, first and foremost we need to re-establish the Irish Open on the map and all the Irish players are fully behind that. I enjoyed Killarney as a venue. The crowds were quite good but I didn’t enjoy it as a golf course. It wasn’t my favourite. It was a fun venue but I’d love to see it go back to the Dublin area.”