The countdown officially commenced at Fota Island Resort yesterday as former champion Shane Lowry gave his seal of approval to the 2014 Irish Open venue.

The Fota Island Resort has revealed its new owners, the Kang family, have invested €500,000 in bringing the Irish Open golf tournament to Cork — and Julie Kang has been one of the driving forces behind the event.

Even though the country’s four Major champions, Pádraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy — along with 2009 champion Shane Lowry — are in the field, the Irish Open at Carton House on June 27 continues without a title sponsor this year.

The Irish Open starting tomorrow has made European Tour history by becoming their first regular event to sell out completely.

This year’s Irish Open is expected to be one of the best yet after organisers confirmed tickets for Friday had sold out.

Next week’s Irish Open at Royal Portrush will be the first sell-out the European Tour has ever had for a regular event.

Next week’s Irish Open at Royal Portrush will be the first sell-out the European Tour has ever had for a regular event.

Next month's Irish Open golf championship at Royal Portrush is set to become a near sell-out.

Tickets for the Irish Open golf tournament at the famous Royal Portrush course have almost sold out with six weeks still to go before tee-off.