Bjorn in favour of a Northern Irish Open

Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn insists he’s heard only rumours about an Irish Open move to Royal County Down but wonders if it’s time there was a Northern Irish Open.

The chairman of the European Tour Players’ Committee concedes that the economic climate is not right but hopes that it may one day be strong enough to support tour events on both sides of the border.

On the talk of the Irish Open going to Royal County Down next year, Bjorn said: “I’ve heard rumours but they are the same rumours everybody has heard.