Rory hails decision to bring Irish Open back to Fota

Double Major champion Rory McIlroy toasted Fota Island Resort’s success in landing the 2014 Irish Open as the Cork parkland course celebrated its return to the world golf stage for the first time in 12 years.

The European Tour yesterday confirmed the resort’s testing Deerpark Course would succeed Carton House as the host of one of its most popular tournaments, with continued financial support in the absence of a title sponsor being provided by Fáilte Ireland and Fota’s new owners, China’s Kang Group Worldwide, and BAM Contractors, both of whom will become official sponsors when the Irish Open returns from June 19-22.

It is the first time the Open will be staged at the resort since 2002.