Rory McIlroy’s Irish Open decision helps lift prize money to €4m

Rory McIlroy is clearly the host with the most after his decision to support the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for another three years helped boost the prize money by 60% to €4m — the biggest purse in the event’s history.

In what was the worst kept secret in Irish golf, the European Tour confirmed The K Club as the host venue from May 19-22 next year, sandwiching the tournament between The Players at TPC Sawgrass and its own flagship event, the BMW PGA at Wentworth.

McIlroy’s decision to host on behalf of his charitable foundation for another three years was enough to persuade Dubai Duty Free to extend its deal until 2018 and also to increase its investment.