Clarke and G-Mac join Irish Open field

Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell have confirmed they will both compete in the Irish Open, completing Ireland’s line-up of Major champions at Carton House from June 27-30.

The pair will join Pádraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy in the field, along with Carton House touring professional Shane Lowry, as they attempt to become the first home winner of the event since the Offaly man’s sensational victory as an amateur at County Louth Golf Club in 2009.

Clarke, the 2011 Open champion, was third behind winner Thomas Björn the last time the Irish Open was played at Carton House in 2006. He was also joint runner up to Colin Montgomerie at Fota Island in 2001, and the 44 year old is hoping to go one better when he makes his 22nd appearance in the event.