Rory McIlroy the star attraction as big hitters get set to take on Royal County Down

With a playing group that could be lifted straight from a major championship draw, Rory McIlroy will tee off at Royal County Down tomorrow with praise ringing in his ears for putting the Irish Open back on the golfing map.

The first round of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will see world No.1 McIlroy, whose Rory Foundation is hosting this European Tour stop, tee off with recent Players Championship winner Rickie Fowler and US Open champion Martin Kaymer at 8:20am tomorrow.

It is a stellar grouping in any field but for a tournament boasting a title sponsor this week for the first time since 2010, McIlroy’s superstar status in the sport and his strenuous efforts to help gather the most impressive field in years for his national open earned the gratitude of 2007 winner and fellow major champion Pádraig Harrington yesterday.