Scene set for perfect Irish Open

THE field for the ‘3’ Irish Open at Killarney’s Golf and Fishing Club (July 29-August 1) was yesterday boosted by the inclusion of Rory McIlroy, the weekend’s PGA championship winner Simon Khan and 2004 British Open champion Todd Hamilton.

Meanwhile Matteo Manassero has also had accepted a sponsor’s invitation to contest Ireland’s premier golfing event and joins a field that includes Pádraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and former winners, Richard Finch, Patrik Sjoland, David Carter and Shane Lowry, who so memorably triumphed as an amateur 12 months ago.

Robert Rock, the Englishman who lost to Lowry at the third extra tie hole last year, comes back in search of his first Tour victory, while tournament director Ben Watson announced that other names will be announced over the coming weeks.