Tour has plan B for Irish Open

EUROPEAN TOUR chief George O’Grady insists he has a plan up his sleeve that could ensure the survival of the beleaguered Irish Open.

As the search goes on for a new title sponsor, O’Grady revealed he will sit down and explain his strategy to several Irish players during this week’s Dubai World Championship. The decision by ‘3’ to opt out of its sponsorship of the event has forced the Tour to delay its announcement of the 2011 schedule until next week at the earliest. The Irish Open is set for July 28-31 — the same week as this year’s staging at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club.

But making that happen may require the Tour and Fáilte Ireland to foot the bill if a new sponsor cannot be found.