‘Wild Thing’ will be unleashed at Fota

Wildlife is not in short supply at Fota Island, but the Irish Open will have “Wild Thing” John Daly alongside the “Big Five” of Rory McIlroy, Pádraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley from June 19-22.

The confirmed participation of Ireland’s current major winners, not to mention European Ryder Cup captain McGinley, is no surprise. But could more stars be on the way?

With appearance money not an option for an event without a title sponsor, the €2m championship is relying on the powers of persuasion of the likes of US-based McIlroy and McDowell to bring a few more big names to Cork.