Ryder Cup trio confirmed for Irish Open

Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, and Paul McGinley have confirmed their entry in this year’s Nissan Irish Open.

The Irish trio will be joined by fellow Ryder Cup team-mates David Howell and Colin Montgomerie when the competition tees off at Carton House in Kildare on May 19.

Both Harrington and McGinley mounted a strong challenge for the title last year at County Louth Golf Club, Baltray, finishing joint second and joint fifth respectively.

It was Harrington’s second runners-up performance in the event following his joint second finish in 2001.

Clarke has announced he will not be competing in this year’s Smurfit European Open, however.

The 2001 champion has decided to take the K Club event off his schedule to be fresh for the British Open.