Tour ponder opening up new route to Irish Open

The European Tour is toying with the idea of staging a special qualifier for this year’s Irish Open at Carton House.

There has been no Monday qualifying on the European Tour since it became an ‘all exempt Tour’ in 1984. But given the huge interest in playing in the event since last year’s sell-out success at Royal Portrush, there could be a huge Irish presence at the Montgomerie Course from June 27-30.

According to a European Tour spokesman: “The concept of a qualifier has been mooted, but nothing has been finalised. It is just an idea, which would need further ratification from Tour Executive and perhaps the Tournament Committee.”