European Tour must pitch in to sell event

The PGA Championship at Wentworth usually signals the arrival of the big guns back to European soil. This week it is Ireland’s turn.

The Irish Open used to be one of the best attended and highest profile events on the European Tour but, sadly, that is no longer the case. It is not a unique case but as a former player it has been very hard to witness its decline given the event is guaranteed the participation of our four home grown Major champions each year.

In the age of a world golfing schedule, Europe can no longer compete with the riches of the PGA Tour or the appearance fees offered to the players for their participation in Asia.